CRACKALACKIN MAC & CHEESE BY COAST N SMOKE
Just when you think you've had the ultimate Mac and Cheese.... along comes this recipe. Featuring the mouth-watering South West Rub from Coast n Smoke
This ain't no drill...this is the ultimate Mac and Cheese, not for the faint-hearted but definitely a crowd pleaser. If you choose to use this as a "side" then you could reduce the quantity, otherwise, it's a main by itself!
INGREDIENTS
MAC AND CHEESE
- 500g Macaroni or elbow pasta
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup All purpose (plain) flour
- 2 ¾ cup milk
- 1 ¼ cup pouring cream
- 4 cups grated tasty cheddar cheese
- 2 cups Comte cheese
- 2 Tsp salt
- ½ Tsp Black pepper
- 250g Streaky bacon (diced) or left-over burnt ends
TOPPING
- 1 cup plain crisps crumbled or panko crumbs
- 2 Tbs butter
- 3 tsp (or to taste) Coast n Smoke South West Rub
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Preheat oven or BBQ/smoker to 160C or 325F and grease a baking dish (230 x 300mm). Set aside
(Skip steps 2 & 3 if you want this dish meat-free)
Step 2: If using streaky bacon, heat a frying pan, add oil and diced bacon and cook until crispy. Set aside on some paper towel.
Step 3: If using leftover burnt ends, ensure they are defrosted if frozen.
Step 4: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add pasta and cook until al dente. Do not overcook.
Step 5: Grate the cheese while the pasta is cooking and toss to combine both kinds of cheese. Divide the cheese into 3 approximate piles (3 cups for the sauce, 1.5 cups for the inner layer and 1.5 cups for the topping).
Step 6: Drain the pasta and drizzle with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking together.
Step 7: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to combine. The mixture will look like wet sand. Cook for approximately 1 minute, stirring often.
Step 8: Slowly pour in about ½ the milk and cream, whisk constantly until smooth. Once the mixture is smooth slowly pour the remaining milk and cream, whisking constantly, until combined and smooth.
Step 9: Continue to whisk over medium heat until thickened. Adding in the bacon or burnt ends if you desire.
Step 10: Remove from the heat add 1.5 cups of the cheeses and stir to melt and combine, then add another 1.5 cups of the cheeses and stir until completely smooth.
Step 11: Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta in the pot and mix til the pasta is evenly coated.
Step 12: Pour half of the pasta into the prepared baking dish, then add a layer of cheese (approx. 1.5 cups of cheese). Then top with the remaining pasta. Finally, add the remaining cheese on top for that golden crust.
Step 13: For the topping, melt the butter and mix in with the crumbled chips or panko. Add Coast n Smoke South West Rub and mix til evenly combined. Spread the mixture over the top of the Mac and Cheese and bake at 180C for 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
Step 14: Enjoy! This dish is perfect to pair with any smoked brisket and your favourite cold brew of choice.
Wallington's Local Pantry
Supporting small businesses and homemade producers is what we're all about and is the primary focus of the Wallingtons Local Pantry.
Customers can expect everything to be locally sourced with a focus on having a large vegan and gluten-free section. The Local Pantry also aims to be as plastic-free as possible. We stock a wide range of brands and provide a diverse selection of products from across the Bellarine Peninsula. From larger local producers to small scale locals who are wanting their first retail outlet to supply their community.
