Cuban Style Macaroni with Cheese

Prep Time
minutes

Cook Time
minutes

Total Time
minutes

Serving
size
Ingredients
- 4-5 slices of Cuban bread (can substitute French or Italian bread)
- 1 pound pasta penne, elbows or shells
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) of Cabot Salted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups hot milk
- 1 tablespoon dried mustard
- 1 tablespoon of hot sauce or to your liking
- 1 pound Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (about 4 cups)
- 1/4 pound cubed ham
- 1/4 pound roasted pork shredded
- 1/4 cup pickle slices or cubed
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350 ° F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan or cover with cooking spray.
- Place slices of bread on a baking sheet and place in the oven for 4 to 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool, then place in the food processor or crush them into thick crumbs using a plastic bag (about one cup is needed).
- Cook the pasta per the instructions on the package until it is almost done. Drain well, put it in a large container, and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a pot or pan over medium heat, stir in the flour until well blended. Continue beating for one to two minutes, do not let the mixture turn brown.
- Slowly, beat the milk and stir for a few more minutes. Beat dry mustard and hot sauce until well blended.
- Add cheese, stir until melted and thoroughly mixed. Lower heat and stir for 3 to 4 more minutes.
- Add half the sauce to the pasta. Add the ham and roasted pork. Add the remaining cheese sauce and mix well.
- Place the mixture in the prepared pan. Spread the pickles and breadcrumbs evenly over the surface. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tip: You can purchase the roasted pork at your favorite supermarket prepared foods area and the cubed ham in the meat area.