Mac and Cheese Carbonara

Recipe courtesy Bobby Flay

Show: Throwdown with Bobby FlayEpisode: Man 'n' Cheese

Rated: 4 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (63)

Cook Time:
30 min
Level:
Intermediate
Yield:
4 to 6 servings

Times:

Prep: 30 min
Inactive Prep: 10 min
Cook: 30 min
Total:: 1 hr 10 min

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Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1-inch thick piece pancetta, cut into small dice
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 to 7 cups whole milk, heated
4 large egg yolks, lightly whisked
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups freshly grated Asiago cheese, plus more for the top
1 1/2 cups Irish white Cheddar, plus more for the top
1 1/2 cups Mountain Valley Cheddar, plus more for the top
1 cup grated Fontina cheese, plus more for the top
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, plus more for the top
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked just under al dente
1/2 cup coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottom and sides of a 3 quart baking dish and set aside.

Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels.

Add the garlic to the pan and cook until lightly golden brown. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in 6 cups of the hot milk, increase the heat to high and cook, whisking constantly until thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Whisk in the eggs until incorporated and let cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the thyme, cayenne, and all of the cheese until completely melted, season with salt and pepper. If the mixture appears too thick, add some of the remaining milk 1/4 cup at a time.

Place the cooked macaroni in a large bowl, add the cheese sauce, reserved pancetta and parsley and stir until combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Combine together additional Asiago, Cheddars, Fontina, and Parmesan in a bowl and sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni. Bake in the oven until heated through and the top is lightly golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest 10 minutes before serving.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Mac and Cheese Carbonara
M. R. C. Rapid City, SD 11-03-2009
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Goooooood!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Made for a dinner that had an Italian theme and everyone loved it. I know it was good because the children even ate it. I... was not able to find one of the cheese nor did I use pancetta. Although I had pancetta I just chose not to use it and everyone loved it. Great dish Chef Flay! Read more
recipe Mac and Cheese Carbonara
null null, null 05-01-2009
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Mac and cheese recipe
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I LOVE Chef Flay's recipe from 'Throwdown'! Just sharing a simple and super tasty version i... use: http://miocibo.com/2009/05/01/macaroni-and-cheese/ ;DRead more
recipe Mac and Cheese Carbonara
Belinda Columbia, MO 04-03-2009
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Mac and Cheese for Grown Ups
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I made it for the third time for a work luncheon and everyone raved and begged for the recipe. I used bacon instead of... pancetta and lots of it. Only 1/2 teaspoon cayenne. Used 3 cups of a good extra sharp cheddar instead of what Bobby recommended. I also amped up the salt and pepper and found the flavor to be very tasty. Tempering the eggs is essential and made the sauce super creamy. As with most baked pasta dishes, it is vital to undercook the pasta so you don't end up with a gluey gob of starch. Yeah, this takes time and dirties a lot of pans, but the outcome is well worth the effort.Read more
recipe Mac and Cheese Carbonara
Sheila Sleepy Hollow , IL 03-29-2009
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not bad but...
Rated: 3 stars out of 5

The croque messieur mac and cheese recipe from food network kitchens is way better for something different. You could also... sub the pancetta for the ham in that one.Read more
recipe Mac and Cheese Carbonara
James Manchester, CT 02-02-2009
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A lot of work for little flavor
Rated: 1 stars out of 5

I made this over the weekend. Unless everyone your feeding likes spicy food, cut the cayenne in half. I tempered my eggs so... texture was not a problem. I found the taste bland and uninspiring. For the amount of Work you put into this recipe I was expecting some wow with the flavor. I found the flavor boring.Read more
recipe Mac and Cheese Carbonara
Laura Vero Beach, FL 12-20-2008
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The BEST mac and cheese ever
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I saw this on Throwdown and had to try it. It is alot of work, but well worth the time. Mac and cheese with a form of... bacon--what's not to like? I hate leftovers but I would eat this leftover anytime! It was good reheated as well. Bobby you are the best!!Read more