Smoked macaroni and cheese

By greeneyes718

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 3 1/2 cups milk
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded smoked gouda cheese
• salt and freshly ground black pepper,to taste
• pinch of cayenne pepper
• 4 oz crustless country style bread
• 2 tbs unsalted butter,melted
• 1 lb rigatoni,cooked until al dente and drained

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oven to 375
-Butter rectangular baking dish
-In sauce pan over medium heat melt 4 tbs butter
-Add flour;cook,stirring frequently,about 3 min
-whisk in milk;cook,stirring frequently,until thickened about 5 min
-Whisk in tomato paste
-Add 1 1/2 cups of each cheese;stir until melted
-Season with salt,black pepper,and cayenne pepper
-Tear bread into crumbs
-In small bowl,stir together bread crumbs,2 tbs melted butter and salt
-In large bowl,combine pasta and cheese sauce
-Pour into prepared baking dish
-Top with remaining cheeses and buttered bread crumbs
-Bake until cheese are golden and bubbly,about 40 min
-If top becomes to dark,cover with foil
-Let stand 10 min before serving