The Rea Family
Servings:
4-6
Prep time:
00:10
Cook time:
00:40
Outrageously cheesy, ultra-creamy, and topped with a crunchy Panko-Parmesan topping. I used three different kinds of cheese and original Orto Boom….BOOM!
Ingredients
- 16 oz mini rigatoni pasta (or your favorite macaroni)
- 5 tbsp Delicate Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup whole Greek yogurt
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups fontina cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup Queen Creek Olive Mill Orto Boom
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
- Sea Salt
- pepper
- 1 1/2 cups panko crumb
- 1/2 cup Grana Padano, shredded
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a large 3 qt or 4 qt baking dish and set aside. Combine shredded cheeses in a large bowl and set aside.
- Cook the pasta one minute shy of al dente according to the package instructions. Remove from heat, drain, and place in a large bowl.
- Drizzle pasta with olive oil and stir to coat pasta. Set aside to cool while preparing the cheese sauce.
- Melt butter in a deep saucepan, dutch oven, or stockpot.
- Whisk in flour over medium heat and continue whisking for about 1 minute until bubbly and golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, heavy cream, and yogurt until nice and smooth. Continue whisking until you see bubbles on the surface and then continue cooking and whisking for another 2 minutes. Whisk in salt and pepper.
- Add two cups of shredded cheese and whisk until smooth. Add another two cups of shredded cheese and continue whisking until creamy and smooth. The sauce should be nice and thick. Add the Orto Boom and mix well.
- Stir in the cooled pasta until combined and pasta is fully coated with the cheese sauce.
- Pour half of the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese and then the remaining mac and cheese.
- In a small bowl, combine panko crumbs, Grana Padano, olive oil, and paprika. Sprinkle over the top and bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.
