PANCETTA, GRUYERE, PARMESAN AND FONTINA MAC & CHEESE

Pancetta, Gruyere, Parmesan and Fontina Mac & Cheese image

Provided by Anne Burrell

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

Kosher salt
1 pound small pasta shells
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
8 ounces pancetta, diced
1 yellow onion, diced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups milk, plus more if needed
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
A few dashes hot sauce
2 cups shredded fontina cheese
2 cups shredded Gruyere
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons panko

Steps:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season generously with kosher salt. Add the shells and cook 2 minutes less than the package directions. You want the pasta to be al dente. Drain, then set aside.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Add the olive oil and pancetta into a large heavy-bottomed pot and turn on the heat to low. Cook the pancetta to slowly render the fat, stirring occasionally, until the pancetta is crispy and most of the fat has rendered out, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon onto a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Reserve the pancetta fat. Add the onions and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, 5 minutes. Add the butter and stir to melt. Add the flour and whisk to create a roux with the pancetta fat and butter. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Add in the milk, Dijon mustard and hot sauce and whisk until smooth. Bring to a boil, then reduce immediately to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the fontina cheese, Gruyere and 1 cup of the Parmesan. Stir to combine with a rubber spatula until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked shells and crispy pancetta and stir to combine. If the mixture is too thick for your liking, you can add a little more milk. Season to taste with kosher salt.
Transfer the mac and cheese into individual ramekins or a large baking dish. Top evenly with the panko and remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan and place into the oven until the breadcrumbs are browned, about 5 minutes.