Our Recipes, re-invented from cooking shows
BellaVitano Mac and Cheese with Mushrooms
Prep. Time:
Baking Time:
Total Time:
25 minutes
30 minutes
55 minutes
Serves:
6-8 servings
We saw Kaleena make this dish in the Wisconsin (cheese!) season of Top Chef ™.
Cheese Selection: The combination of BellaVitano and Gruyère provides the distinctive nutty flavor of BellaVitano while ensuring smooth melting properties.
Wine Pairing: Since merlot is cooked into the mushrooms, consider serving the same wine with the dish.
Make-Ahead Tip: The mushrooms and breadcrumbs can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Reheat mushrooms gently before serving.
Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is crucial for achieving the perfect sauce consistency - don't skip this step.
Temperature Control: Keep the cheese sauce warm but not boiling once the cheese is added to prevent breaking or graininess.
Ingredients
PASTA AND CHEESE SAUCE
1 lb macaroni, penne or rigatoni pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2½ cups whole milk, warmed
6 oz BellaVitano cheese, finely grated (reserve rind)
4 oz Gruyère cheese, grated
3 oz cream cheese, room temperature
⅓ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
Pinch of nutmeg
Salt and white pepper to taste
MERLOT MUSHROOMS
1 lb mixed mushrooms (cremini, white, shiitake, oyster), sliced ¼-inch thick
½ cup red wine
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 large shallot, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 sprigs fresh thyme
Reserved BellaVitano rind pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
HERB BREADCRUMBS
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup finely grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
½ teaspoon black garlic powder
Pinch of salt
Instructions
PREPARE THE COMPONENTS;
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until 1-2 minutes short of al dente (it will finish cooking when combined with sauce). Reserve 1½ cups pasta water before draining.
Make the merlot mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a plate.
Build the mushroom sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Sauté shallot until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in merlot and add thyme sprigs and cheese rind pieces. Simmer until wine reduces by two-thirds, about 4-5 minutes. Return mushrooms to pan, toss to coat, then remove from heat. Discard thyme stems and cheese rind pieces.
Prepare herb breadcrumbs: Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss panko with melted butter, Parmesan, thyme, garlic powder, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Set aside.
CHEESE SAUCE:
Create the roux: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture is lightly golden and fragrant (this removes the raw flour taste).
Build the base sauce: Gradually whisk in the warm milk, adding it slowly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce coats the back of a spoon.
Add the cheeses: Remove from heat completely. Whisk in the cream cheese first until smooth, then gradually add the BellaVitano and Gruyère, whisking constantly until fully melted. Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and nutmeg. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
FINAL ASSEMBLY
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce along with ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Gently fold together, adding more pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy, coating consistency.
Incorporate mushrooms: Fold in three-quarters of the merlot mushrooms, reserving the rest for garnish.
Serve immediately: Divide among warmed bowls or plates. Top with remaining mushrooms, herb breadcrumbs, and an extra sprinkle of BellaVitano if desired.
