Millionaire’s Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

Truffle Breadcrumbs:

• 8 ounces brioche, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 4 tablespoons truffle butter, melted
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Kosher salt

• Mac and Cheese:
• 1 pound medium shell pasta
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 4 cups half-and-half
• 8 ounces aged white Cheddar, grated (about 2 cups)
• 8 ounces fontina, grated (about 2 cups)
• 8 ounces Gouda, grated (about 2 cups)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped tarragon, optional

Description

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. For the truffle breadcrumbs: Toss the brioche with the melted truffle butter in a large bowl. Add the Parmesan and 1 pinch salt and toss to coat. Spread onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 7 minutes, then stir and return to the oven. Bake until the breadcrumbs are dark golden brown and the Parmesan crisps on the pan, 5 to 7 minutes longer.
3. Meanwhile, for the mac and cheese: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
4. Return the large pot to the stove and melt the butter over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and cook, whisking frequently, until it is dark blonde and has a nutty aroma, about 1 minute. Stir in the mustard and 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt. Slowly whisk the half-and-half into the flour mixture (be careful because it will bubble up). Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 8 minutes.
5. Stir in the Cheddar, fontina and Gouda, stirring until the cheese is melted and smooth. Add the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce is smooth and perfectly creamy. Season with pepper.
6. Fold the cooked pasta into the sauce until it is completely coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Spoon the shells into serving bowls. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and tarragon (if using) over each bowl and serve immediately.