Croque Monsieur Mac and Cheese

  4.9 – 11 reviews  • Ham
Combining Mary’s top two cheesiest dishes, let’s create Croque Monsieur Mac ‘N Cheese, with stringy Gruyère and sharp pecorino.
Level: Easy
Total: 50 min
Active: 25 min
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

  1. Nonstick cooking spray or unsalted butter, at room temperature, for the casserole dish
  2. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  3. 8.8 ounces (250 grams) dry rigatoni
  4. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  5. 1 garlic clove, minced
  6. 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  7. 2 cups (500 milliliters) plus 2 tablespoons (60 milliliters) milk
  8. 3/4 teaspoon herbes de Provence
  9. Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
  10. 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  11. 1/2 cup (55 grams) grated pecorino
  12. 2 1/2 cups (285 grams) grated Gruyère
  13. 7 ounces (200 grams) thinly sliced deli ham, roughly chopped
  14. 1 large egg
  15. 2 slices bread, roughly torn into small pieces

Instructions

  1. Heat your oven to 425 degrees F and lightly grease a 9-inch square casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil then add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside until ready to use.
  3. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 30 seconds. Sprinkle over the flour, whisk in and cook, whisking occasionally, for 1 to 2 minutes to toast the flour. While continuing to whisk, slowly pour in 2 cups of the milk. Add the herbes de Provence and nutmeg and bring to a light boil. Cook, whisking frequently, until thick, 4 to 5 minutes.
  4. When the sauce has thickened, turn the heat down to low and whisk in the mustard and pecorino, then 2 cups of the Gruyère. Switch to a heatproof spatula or a wooden spoon and carefully stir in the cooked pasta making sure that every noodle is well coated. Pour half of the mixture into your prepared casserole dish, scatter on half of the ham, then layer on the remaining pasta and ham and set aside.
  5. To make the topping, whisk the egg and the remaining 2 tablespoons of milk in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper and stir in the bread and the remaining 1/2 cup of Gruyère.
  6. Top the casserole with the bread mixture and bake until golden brown and bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. Allow the mac and cheese to rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 of 6 servings
Calories 617
Total Fat 32 g
Saturated Fat 16 g
Carbohydrates 47 g
Dietary Fiber 3 g
Sugar 7 g
Protein 34 g
Cholesterol 131 mg
Sodium 862 mg
Serving Size 1 of 6 servings
Calories 617
Total Fat 32 g
Saturated Fat 16 g
Carbohydrates 47 g
Dietary Fiber 3 g
Sugar 7 g
Protein 34 g
Cholesterol 131 mg
Sodium 862 mg

Reviews

Joel Winters
This was FANTASTIC! I followed the recipe exactly with tasty results.
Jonathan Campbell
I love her shows. She’s my favorite chef…so cute. My cheese sauce turned a little gritty and stringy. Does anyone know what I may have done wrong?
Michelle David
I made this last week and it was so tasty and amazing!! Very fancy mac and cheese. Thanks Mary!
Mr. Edward Bradley
This is so yummy! Will make again for sure!
Kathy Esparza
This recipe is simply wonderful. Very easy to make.
Michael Reed
It’s in the oven now and smells wonderful!! I so love watching Mary and her easy recipes!
Debbie Hunt
Marvelous Mac N Cheese!!!
Jacqueline Diaz
Cannot download the recipe!
Pamela Campbell
Where are the 3 reviews?

 

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