Pastrami Mac and Cheese
INGREDIENTS
  • Cooking Time: 20 to 25
  • Servings: 4 to 6
  • 4 Tbsp. butter, plus extra for the baking dish
  • 1/2 lb. farfalle
  • 1/4 c. flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups (about 1/2 lb) grates sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 lb pastrami, diced (scant cup)
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/8 tsp. freshly ground pepper
  • 10 Ritz crackers, pulsed in the food processor, about 1/3 cup crumbs
DIRECTIONS
  1. Preheat oven to 350-f degrees. Butter an 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat and cook the farfalle until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain.
  3. In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the 4 Tbsp. butter. Sprinkle the flour and stir with a wooden spoon until the flour is incorporated, about 1 minute. Gradually add the milk, stirring, and raise the heat to medium. Cook, stirring frequently, until almost boiling and smooth, about 5 minutes. Add the cheeses and stir until melted and incorporated, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the pastrami and lower the heat. Add the pasta and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Transfer the pasta to the baking dish and top with the cracker crumbs. Bake until browned and bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes.
RECIPE BACKSTORY
*By far* my favorite homemade mac and cheese recipe!