EXTRA-SPECIAL MACARONI AND CHEESE

EXTRA-SPECIAL MACARONI AND CHEESE image

Yield 6 people

Number Of Ingredients 12

8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 2 cups raw)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
1 to 2 tablespoons fresh chopped mixed herbs, or 2 teaspoons dried leaf herbs (thyme, sage, chives, etc.)
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 ounces goat cheese with herbs or plain
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
1 cup soft bread crumbs
1 tablespoon melted butter

Steps:

Grease a 2-quart baking dish. Heat oven to 350°. Cook macaroni following package directions; drain, rinse, and set aside. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Stir in flour until well blended and bubbly. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly; continue cooking and stirring until slightly thickened. Add the herbs, salt, and pepper, then stir in the goat cheese and Cheddar. Stir in about 3 ounces of the Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking and stirring until cheeses have melted. Stir in the drained macaroni and turn into the prepared baking dish. Combine bread crumbs with melted butter and toss with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the casserole. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and nicely browned.