Mac & Cheese Casserole

By NicoleP

Ingredients

• Panko Topping (optional):
• 1 lb cellentani pasta (sub rigatoni, penne or macaroni)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp chicken bouillon
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4-1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 6-8 slices provolone cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Details

Servings 8

Preparation

Step 1

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Strain and rinse with cold water.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish. Set aside.

Melt 4 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat then whisk in flour. Cook, while stirring for 2 minutes. Turn heat to low then gradually whisk in milk. Whisk cornstarch into evaporated milk and gradually add to skillet followed by dijon mustard and all remaining spices/seasonings.

Bring to a boil, whisking constantly then reduce heat to medium and simmer, whisking occasionally until thickened (but not overly thick). Remove from heat and whisk in sharp cheese until melted. Add pasta and toss until evenly coated (it will seem like a lot of extra sauce which is a good thing).

Pour half of the macaroni and cheese into prepared baking dish. Layer macaroni evenly with provolone cheese followed by an even layer of sour cream. Pour remaining macaroni and cheese over sour cream and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle with 1 cup Parmesan cheese.

Panko topping:
Melt butter in olive oil over medium heat in a medium skillet. Add panko and stir to coat. Continue cooking until crumbs become golden brown. Evenly sprinkle over macaroni and cheese.

Bake 22 minutes or until bubbly and inside provolone cheese is melted. If not topping with panko, broil until Parmesan is golden. Cool 10 minutes to set before serving.