Family Foods

Irish Mac ‘N’ Cheese

Makes 10 Sobeys

Ingredients:

1 lb (500 g) macaroni, penne or ziti pasta, cooked according to package instructions, cooled

¼ cup (60 mL) butter

¾ cup (175 mL) finely diced onion

½ cup (125 mL) finely diced double-smoked bacon

pinch of sugar

¼ cup (60 mL) all-purpose flour

3 cups milk 750 mL

Directions:

Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, bacon and sugar. Cook, stirring, until onion is softened and bacon is lightly browned. Whisk in flour and cook 2 to 3 min., until mixture is thickened. Do not allow flour to brown. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, until no flour lumps remain. Bring to a simmer. Add bay leaf and cloves. Reduce heat to low and cook another 10 min., stirring occasionally.
Step 2
Remove saucepan from heat. Discard bay leaf from mixture. Stir in the Kerrygold Dubliner Cheese, Kerrygold Reserve Cheddar and Swiss cheese until melted; season with nutmeg, salt and pepper.
Step 3
In large bowl, combine reserved pasta and cheese sauce. Spread in casserole dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs and thyme. Bake 15 min., or until heated through and edges are lightly browned.