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Bacon-Gruyere Cavatappi
by September-10-2015
Ingredients
  • 1 lb. box cavatappi pasta (or elbows)
  • 1 lb. thick cut bacon, diced
  • 1 small white onion, grated
  • 1 tbs. butter
  • 1 tbs. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. dry mustard
  • 2 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp. prepared horseradish (optional)
  • 3 tbs. flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 8 oz block orange cheddar, freshly grated
  • 6 oz. block Gruyere cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tbs. butter
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • Green onions or chives, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a large sauce pot or dutch over, boil water with salt and a dash of olive oil (to prevent sticking), cook pasta to the al dente directions. Rinse your pasta under cold water in a colander and set aside. Empty the pot and return it to the stove. Cook all the bacon in the pot over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. When crispy, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Pour the lose bacon fat from the pot into a heat safe container and set aside, do not wipe out or rinse your pot. Add the 1 tbs. of butter to the pot over medium-high heat. Saute the grated onion until translucent. Add the garlic powder, dry mustard, Worstcheshire, salt and pepper and horseradish. Whisk until mixed. Add the flour and stir until evenly coated. Immediately add the milk, whisking to incorporate smoothly. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and add the cheddar and gruyere. Turn off the heat and stir until creamy and blended. Add the pasta to the pot with the cheese sauce. Reserving a small handful for topping, add the cooked bacon to the pasta and cheese. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x12 casserole dish. Melt the 2 tbs. butter in a microwave safe dish and then stir in the bread crumbs. You may need to add more if you want them a little drier, but its your preference. Chop the remaining bacon into small bits and add to the bread crumbs. Top the pasta with the bread crumbs and bacon. Bake until the breadcrumbs are just browned and the casserole bubbles. Remove and top with chopped green onions or chives.
Details
Prep time: Cook time: Total time: Yield: Serves 8