Rich, cheesy and comforting, this Macaroni Cheese recipe is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness, and of course, bacon. It may be a little more work, but the end result is a gorgeous comforting midweek meal with leftovers providing a lunch that all your work colleagues will be envious of.
Ingredients:
• 400 gm dried macaroni or another pasta shape
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 100 gm bacon or speck – we used The Sausage Press Deli Old Fashion Streaky Bacon. Remove rind and cut into lardons
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 40gm butter
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 120 ml water
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp thyme, plus extra to serve
• 250 ml cream – We used Oakland A2 cream
• 250 ml Little River Estate Sour Cream
• 225 gm Little River Estate Mt Richmond, Swiss style cheese, coarsely grated
• 225 gm Little River Estate Raclette, coarsely grated
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 80 gm coarse fresh sourdough breadcrumbs
• Seasoning – salt and pepper – We used Neudorf Black Garlic Sea Salt
Method:
Preheat oven to 180C. Cook pasta in a large saucepan of well-salted boiling water until not quite al dente, about 3 minutes less than the packet instructions, to ensure it is undercooked.
Drain, reserving 2 tbsp of cooking water and return both water and pasta to the pot.
Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large frying pan, over medium-high heat, add bacon or speck and fry until crisp and fat renders (2-3 minutes).
Add the butter and melt, then add garlic, stir until fragrant. Add the flour and stir for a couple of minutes until slightly brown, this removes the uncooked flour taste.
Add water, cream & sour cream slowly, stirring all the time to create a smooth sauce. Stir in mustard, paprika, and thyme, followed by the cheese. Taste sauce and season.
Add cooked pasta, stir to combine, and pour into a large baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and a little extra grated cheese and bake until filling is bubbling, and the top is golden brown (15-20 minutes).
Serve hot with a salad on the side, and paired with Waimea Cabernet Franc Syrah 2019 available at Gravity Cellar Door or online at waimeaestates.co.nz.
