Bacon and Black Truffle Macaroni and Cheese

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Posted by Erika Pitera on June 4, 2008

Tillamook Mac & Cheese If anyone can turn a standard comfort food like macaroni and cheese into a gourmet art form, it's Tillamook Cheese.

The following recipe is one of last year's winners of Tillamook's annual Macaroni & Cheese Contest. The rest of the recipes can be viewed at Tillamook's site.

Bacon & Black Truffle Macaroni & Cheese

by Brenden Mesch

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Serving Size: 4

Ingredients

2 tablespoons Tillamook® Salted Butter, melted
3/4 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) or coarse dry breadcrumbs
3 cups (12 ounces) shredded Tillamook® Vintage White Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, divided
8 ounces dry penne pasta
1 tablespoon black truffle oil (optional)
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 slices uncooked smoked bacon, preferably Applewood, chopped (4 ounces)
2 tablespoons minced shallots
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter four 8-ounce shallow ramekins.

To make topping, in a small bowl, combine butter, breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup cheese. Set aside.

In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Add 2 1/2 teaspoons salt and penne. Cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally. Pasta is done when it is slightly chewy to the bite or al dente. Drain pasta in a colander and transfer to a large bowl. Toss pasta with truffle oil and set aside.

Prepare sauce while pasta is cooking. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until golden 3-4 minutes. Stir in shallots, garlic and thyme and cook for one minute. Whisk in flour and cook 3 minutes, whisking constantly. Gradually add half-and-half and bring just to a boil, whisking constantly. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, until sauce slightly thickens, 4-5 minutes. Add salt, pepper and remaining 2 1/2 cups of cheese. Stir until cheese is melted. Remove pan from heat and fold in basil and pasta.

Divide into individual baking dishes. Top with reserved breadcrumb mixture. Bake for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and top begins to brown. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

Photo of Apple White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese courtesy of Tillamook Cheese.