Mac + Cheese (Lottie + Doof Style)

When Terry and I were planning what to make for our Labor Day 2010 BBQ, I wanted a really great homemade mac and cheese to go with the pulled pork that Terry smoked all day on the Weber.  I came across a recipe online at http://www.lottieanddoof.com/ .  Lottie + Doof is a really great food/recipe blog.  They have great pictures of each recipe also.  When I saw the picture of this mac and cheese recipe, I knew that I had to try it out!  I made a double batch and everyone at the party loved it.  Sadly there were no leftovers.

6 TB butter, divided
1 cup onion, finely diced
1 tsp red pepper flakes
2 small garlic cloves, minced
3 TB flour
3 cups whole milk
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup Parmesean cheese, grated
4 oz. mascarpone or cream cheese
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley
1 lb. penne or macaroni pasta

Directions:

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in large deep skillet over medium-high heat.

Add onion and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Add red pepper flakes and garlic, stir for 1 minute.

Stir in 2 tablespoons butter, allow to melt, and then add the flour and stir for 1 minute.

Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk; simmer until thick enough to coat a spoon, stirring frequently, about 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in 2 1/4 cups of cheddar and all of the Parmesan cheese and marscapone.  Season with salt and pepper.

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add panko and stir until light golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in parsley.

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Lighly butter a 13×9x2 inch glass baking dish or similarly sized gratin dish.

Cook pasta in large pot of boiling water until very al dente. Drain well.

Toss pasta and cheese sauce and season again with salt and pepper, if needed. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.

Bake until hot and topping is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Sorry, the pictures were more of an "after thought" since I had guests arriving while making this (thanks for helping Ashley!).  Check out the link below to the original recipe for MUCH better photos (and bacon)!!

Recipe from http://www.lottieanddoof.com/2009/04/mac-cheese-lottie-doof-style/