Balderson Truffle Macaroni and Cheese

8 servings (2 cups each)

Ingredients

Pasta:

  • 750 g uncooked elbow pasta
  • Olive oil, for tossing cooked pasta

Cheese Sauce:

  • ½ cup Lactantia Unsalted Butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp dry mustard
  • 5 cups Lactantia 2% Milk
  • 2 cups Lactantia 35% Whipping Cream
  • 4 cups Balderson Truffle Cheese, grated
  • 2 cups Balderson White Cheddar Cheese, grated
  • 1 cup Galbani Parmesan Cheese, grated

Topping:

  • 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup Lactantia Unsalted Butter, melted
  • 1 cup Galbani Parmesan Cheese, grated
  • ⅓ cup parsley, chopped

Directions

  1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.
  2. Sanitize all work surfaces.
  3. Use a white cutting board for cheese and garlic prep.
  4. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, toss with olive oil, and allow to cool on baking sheets. Do not rinse.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until evenly coated. Set aside.
  6. In a pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and stir constantly until golden brown.
  7. Add flour, pepper, salt, and mustard powder. Cook an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
  8. Reduce heat and slowly whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Once incorporated, add remaining milk and cream.
  9. Increase heat to bring sauce to a simmer. Remove from heat and add cheeses. Stir until fully melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
  10. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly.
  11. Divide the mixture evenly among 8 two-cup ramekins or baking dishes. Sprinkle ½ cup of the breadcrumb mixture over the top of each. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

For service:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
  3. Remove from oven, top each portion with ½ cup panko mixture, and bake an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Discard any leftover macaroni and cheese that has been at room temperature for more than 2 hours.