Pancetta Mac & Cheese With Cheesy Garlic Panko

ByCristina
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This post for pancetta mac & cheese was originally posted on the 14th January 2021.

When we speak about mac and cheese, I can never think about them without dreaming about this pancetta mac and cheese easy recipe. If I have to admit though, my love for this recipe is only a recent thing. I mean as recent as five years ago can be. Seems far too long ago and just yesterday at the same time.

Cheese was not part of my diet. I actually used to hate cheese when I was a kid. With my whole heart. The only possible stretch was parmesan and mozzarella. A huge stretch for me. And that was all the cheese I had until I was probably sixteen. But then I came to London for the summer and Simona introduced me to mac and cheese. And thanks for that day!

Did I mind all the cheese in there? Surprisingly not! As they say in Italy, what you can’t see doesn’t hurt. Fast forward years later when I moved to London, I became the head of cheese and charcuterie at my first job. You can imagine what a laugh it might have been, but I started trying more and more at that point. I must admit that still some texture like soft cheese and punchy flavours.

Even if after all, I wouldn’t define myself as a cheese lover. That not at all. I might know a thing or two more about cheese than other people, but that’s where it ends. Unless we are talking about this pancetta mac and cheese, topped with garlicky panko, ah the dreams! The added crunch on top only makes them even tastier.

It’s the perfect lunch or dinner recipe. One you are going to love to prep and have during wintery nights. One to enjoy after a long day at work, when all you are after is to change into your PJ’s and have a hearty meal. This pancetta mac and cheese answers to all your comfort food needs!

pancetta mac & cheese

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But before we get to the real guest of honor of this post, the recipe to this pancetta mac and cheese, I wanted to just add some helpful points that could be of interest. So let’s start with that first.

Are the pancetta mac and cheese easy to make?

I should only say that if I managed to make them, rest assured they are easy enough to make! Cooking and I have been on the fence for quite a while now. And if I am in a bad mood, even a simple pasta can go awry. And Simona and Fred could say that when I cook a pasta it seems like I am cooking a seven course meals. Anyway, yes pretty easy and fun to make too!

What’s the difference between pancetta, guanciale and bacon?

Okay, if you tell Italians that bacon is the same stuff as guanciale, rest assured you just made an enemy. Pancetta and guanciale come both from pork meat. Pancetta is made out of pork belly and cured with salt and pepper. While guanciale is made out of the cheeks of the pig and cured with salt and spices. Bacon still comes from pork belly and is cured with salt, spices and sugar. So they all come from the same animal, but have very different uses and curing which gives them a unique flavour. For example guanciale is much fattier than pancetta, so it will be better use for some plates better than others.

What is panko?

Panko is a flakier breadcrumb than the one you usually use in western cuisine. It’s original from Japan and being flakier and coarser gives your coating a better crunch. Usually used in coating for deep-fried food like katsu and tonkatsu.

Can I substitute anything in this pancetta mac & cheese?

Now, you can avoid the pancetta if you are not up for it or don’t like it. If macaroni pasta is not available or not your favourite, you can switch it for another kind of shorter pasta. It will also be quite easy to make them gluten-free, so just pick a different pasta and make sure you get gluten-free bread crumbs and flour.

Can I choose different cheese for the mix?

This is all up to you! I love very much gruyere and mozzarella and think they make a good combo here. Also cheddar cheese and grated parmesan work well for me. But it’s all up to you. I prefer something milder, unless I love a particular cheese. You will melt all of them over medium high heat to make your cheese sauce, so in case it might take just a bit longer, but nothing that can’t be done.

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What ingredients do I need to make this pancetta mac and cheese?

Everything to make this recipe is easy to get buy at any supermarket or grocery store. Panko might be a bit harder to come by in some places. But usually, you can buy it on Amazon or find it easily at any Asian supermarket. All the cheeses are easy to come by in the dairy aisle, and in case parmesan or mozzarella are not for you, you can easily find a different one.

Can I make them vegan?

You can indeed make these mac and cheese vegan! It might be quite tricky as you would need different kind of cheeses that melty well, but it’s possible! Just swap the cheese mix and use some fake bacon or pancetta if you can find, as well as using a plant-based mylk alternative and butter.

Without further ado, let’s check this baked pancetta mac and cheese recipe!

from top pancetta mac & cheese in a blue rimmed bowl, under a yellow towel and fork, on a wooden background

Pancetta Mac & Cheese With Garlic Panko

07ba8ad73c37a1f47d10ebde5ce4814ffea2156bc72cb7dce222d2e94d826b88?s=30&d=mm&r=gCristina
This pancetta mac & cheese is the perfect fall dinner and comfort food! The garlicky panko on top adds texture and a twist on the classic mac & cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

PANCETTA MAC & CHEESE

  • 500 g macaroni or pasta shells
  • 4 oz of unsalted butter 113.4 g
  • 5 tbs all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups milk
  • 3 cups grated cheddar
  • 3 cups grated Gruyère
  • 3 cups grated mozzarella
  • 100 g pancetta
  • salt
  • ½ tsp chilli flakes
  • ¾ tsp black pepper

GARLIC CHEESY PANKO TOPPING

  • 3 cups panko
  • 6 cloves of garlic
  • 6 tbs unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 5 tsp grated Parmesan

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 220 C and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta a minute less than the packaging says. Drain and add some oil so that it doesn’t stick.
  • In the meantime, in a large saucepan, heat the stick of butter over medium-high heat until melted. Add the flour and constantly whisk until it reaches a light brown colour – it will take around 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Gradually add the milk and keep whisking, increase the heat and bring to a boil. Reduce again the heat and whisk until it thickens – around 5 minutes.
  • Add the cheeses a bit at a time, keep aside some of it for later. Whisk until smooth. Lastly, add in 2 teaspoons of salt, pepper and chilli flakes. If you’re using the pancetta, add it now.
  • Stir in the pasta, season to taste if needed and cook until the pasta is hot again.
  • Pour the mixture into the buttered baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
  • Finely slice the garlic. In a large skillet, over medium-low heat, melt the butter until foamy, add the garlic and stir for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the panko and increase the heat to medium. Stir frequently until toasty and brown – 7 to 9 minutes. Stir in salt and pepper, let it cool when done. After 5 minutes add the parmesan.
  • Now add the crumbs evenly on top of the pasta and bake until the topping is browned and crisp around 8 minutes. Plate and serve.
Keyword PANCETTA MAC & CHEESE

What can I expect from this pancetta mac and cheese?

This recipe always gives me a very wintery vibe. It’s the best comfort food to come home to after a long day or to serve for Sunday lunch. An easy recipe that you can showcase as a main dish at lunches together with the family. Perfect to be eaten with a great movie playing on the background.

Can I freeze the pancetta mac and cheese?

Indeed you can! And what’s even better is that you can made it in bulk and keep it for the days you don’t want to cook or are too busy to do it. Just cook more pasta, allow the baked pasta to cool down and then you can freeze it in containers and can be stored up to three months. And if you like a bit of spice, add some sriracha on top just after and enjoy! or just add a drizzle of olive oil and serve.

What can I use to bake them?

Something else that is quite good about this pancetta mac and cheese is that they are versatile and easy to bake too. We used an enamel set that is oven safe and freezer friendly. You can bake them in a cast iron casserole or a glass casserole. Take your pick or whatever it’s easier to find at home that is an oven safe baking dish.

Can I avoid the cheesy garlic panko topping?

I wouldn’t personally substitute or avoid the panko, just because I love the consistency of a crunchy top, but not to worry if just breadcrumbs are available. I think that the topping makes this pancetta recipe even more tasty! I mean can you say no to cheesy garlic panko? I can’t for sure! But if it’s really not your taste, even some fresh herbs would complement this well.

Mac & Cheese

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To conclude, I hope you enjoyed this pancetta mac and cheese recipe. And that you will try and enjoy this, whether on your own or sharing it with family and friends. Or maybe finally find that main dish that doesn’t take you ages to cook and can manage to satisfy everyone.

Do you like mac and cheese? Do you have a secret ingredient you love to add in yours? Do you have a recipe you go by every time? And lastly, toppings or no toppings? Let me know if you make it down in the comments!

We also have our lovely friend Sarah from That Lemonade Life with the gluten-free version of mac & cheese, so check it out! And if you are after a healthier version than our mac and cheese, this one cooked in a cast iron is the one for you. If you are after some more dinner or lunch recipes, check out this easy onigirazu recipe. Or this easy beef stew if you are after an instant pot recipe. And if you are after a vegan main dish, check out this delicious vegan mushroom wellington recipe.

PIN IT FOR LATER!

pancetta mac and cheese

Cristina lives in her own little world full of sarcasm, bad jokes to which she only laughs, books and music. She is an aspiring writer and lovers of stories. Makes a mean Teriyaki sauce even though she's pretty much hopeless in the kitchen. She is the youngest of the bunch and the one to most probably flip you her middle finger if spoken to before her daily coffee dose.

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124 Comments

  2. This looks so yummy. I’m a huge fan of mac and cheese and I really do love cheese, I eat so much of it! I love that there is garlic in this, I do really garlic. Definitely another recipe that I’m adding to the list. Thank you so much for sharing. It looks and sounds very delicious.
    Clementine xx
    https://www.clemloves.co.uk

    Reply

  6. I love mac and cheese. As a vegetarian I wouldn’t go for the pancetta but there are alternatives like pea based protein products (I can’t eat soya). The panko topping is a real find!

    Reply

  7. I have never been much of a fan of mac and cheese, I don’t know why, probably had a bad one when I was younger! BUT, your version sounds delicious, and the extra tastiness of the pancetta might just sway me to liking it!
    Thanks for sharing another wonderful recipe!
    Aimsy xoxo
    Aimsy’s Antics

    Reply

  10. Wow, that looks delicious! Several of my favourite ingredients too. Best of all, I can make in bulk and freeze! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  11. I dont think I’ve ever heard of anyone not liking cheese!! Haha. This recipe had me drooling from start to finish, and I’m so glad I can substitute for gluten free ingredients. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    1. Hahha, that’s me! Or it was me, I have the same with one of my sisters. Absolutely, I am on the gluten free wagon too now, so they would make a great option! thank you for reading x

      Reply

  14. Mac and cheese is one of my favorites! This looks so yummy, too! I was raised on homemade mac and cheese and I love getting a section that is a bit brown and crunchy. So good! I will have to try this recipe.

    Reply

  17. I’m a massive fan of mac n’ cheese, so this recipe sounds right up my alley! It honestly seems like such a comforting meal for the winter. My husband is doing keto right now… but I’m not! So this could be a treat that I make just for me soon 😉

    Reply

  19. OMG…that looks sooo good! I love a good mac and cheese and am open to try any variation.

    Thanks for sharing this. Glad you finally came over to the dark side and decided that cheese wasn’t so bad.

    Reply

  20. All I can say is Yuuuummm! Cheese, garlic and pasta! I’m sold. All I wanted tonight for tea was something full of carbs and this would have done the trick. I’ll have to make this 🙂

    Lindsay |

    Reply

  22. I didn’t like cheese when I was a kid either, and I’m not a massive fan now, would be nice to make this for someone else, I saw someone on TV recently add Wotsits to their recipe haha x

    Reply

    1. Oh wow, that’s an unusual add on! I think I grew to like more of them, but wouldn’t be my first choice of things to eat. thank you for reading x

      Reply

  23. It reads and looks delicious! I have tried several mac&cheese recipes and haven’t found the one I like. I will sure try this (but I like bacon more).

    Reply

  24. This looks and sounds delicious 😍
    And simple enough to make – my cooking skills leave a lot to be desired 😅

    Reply

  25. i’m a huge mac and cheese fan so i def need to try this unique twist! thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  30. Mac and cheese is one of my favorite all time foods and you combined it with panko! I think I found heaven.

    Reply

  31. I am wildly dairy intolerant but I love cheese so much I still eat it even though it makes me ill — which is kinda sad to admit out loud, haha! This recipe sounds amazing, I love the addition of panko as my Mum always topped hers with breadcrumbs but I like the light, crispiness of panko more. Great idea!

    Reply

    1. I am gluten intolerant and still suffer the consequences, so totally get you, Molly, you are not alone! I think it adds a new layer to it. thank you for reading x

      Reply

  32. This recipe looks and sounds absolutely delicious! It really elevates simple mac & cheese to a whole other level! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  35. Omfg is this what dreams are made of? Boy, this looks and sounds absolutely delicious. I’m not just the bigger cheese fan but I also love anything that contains garlic so this recipe is right up my street. Thank you so much for sharing lovely, I’ll be making this asap! Xo

    Elle – ellegracedeveson.com

    Reply

  36. This recipe has me dribbling at my desk!! Sounds super yummy, your photos (as always) are perfect and the recipe is really easy to follow!
    I’ll defo be making this when I go on Mat Leave!
    Rosie

    Reply
  37. Pingback: Autumnal Recipes: 60+ Recipes To Try This Season • The Grumpy Olive

  39. Mac and cheese is the greatest comfort food! I’m not always interested in a crust on top, but a new flavor experience is always welcome!

    Reply

  41. Omg, this recipe looks right up my street!! Cheese and garlic, such a dream combo xx I absolutely love you blog name by the way!!

    Reply

  42. This dish sounds really delicious and so simple to make. It is really making me hungry reading this. Thank you for sharing your recipe.

    Lauren

    Reply

  44. My boyfriend looooves mac and cheese so this is a great recipe! Thank you for sharing! I’m excited to make it for him using this! Trying to cook more from blogs instead of books too!

    Reply

  45. Ohmygod girl I’m so glad i found this!!! I actually tried making it last night and it was super yum!!!! Your amazing xx

    Reply

  47. This looks delicious and seeing from the picture, I wouldn’t think it’s enough but will keep that in mind haha. Leftover is good but we tend to do just what we want to eat. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply

  48. This sounds so tasty! My fiance is a huge mac and cheese fan – and who could say no to a crispy and cheesy topping? I like your substitutions as I’m not a big American cheese fan.

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Riana! I am glad you like the idea! I love crispy topping, they add great texture! I think you can easily mix your favourite cheese, to be honest, I am not a fan of American cheese either. Let us know if you try it! x

      Reply

  49. This looks absolutely delicious. I love mac and cheese, so I really want to try this out.
    Thank you for sharing this yummy recipe.

    Reply

  56. Okay, I NEED to try this. It looks insane! Also glad to find someone else who is fussy with cheese, it’s not my favourite and it feels like such an unpopular opinion because everyone loves it a lot xx

    Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/

    Reply

  58. Wow your mac and cheese recipe is far more ‘grown up’ than mine (where it’s just butter, flour, milk and cheddar!) haha! Sounds delicious though!

    Katie | katieemmabeauty.com

    Reply

  59. Oh my God! This sounds so good and that picture looks so good. Personally, I have never tried mac n cheese but I’m definitely wanting to give this a try. Also, lately my sister has been wanting to try mac n cheese. I’ll definitely give her this recipe. Great post x!
    Ruth|Ruthiee loves Glamour

    Reply

  60. I love mac and cheese!! It sounds so mouth watering trying it out with garlic pankos. I’ll definitely give this a try. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply

  61. My mouth is watering, this sounds and looks soooo good that I want to head straight into the kitchen to make it. My husband who LOVES cheese and pasta refuses to eat Mac & Cheese and it breaks my heart every day because I suffer from 24/7 Mac & Cheese cravings. (Maybe this recipe will make him reconsider his stance…)

    Thanks for sharing! 🙂

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Hailey! You could easily convince him as he loves them both to give it a try! Hahaha, I completely understand you. I have one of my sisters who doesn’t eat cheese so we always keep this at a minimum in our meal plan. Hope you manage to convince him x

      Reply

    1. Panko’s kind of your equivalent to breadcrumbs, it’s a Japanese product but easy to find at the supermarket. It’s crispier and lighter than regular bread crumbs. Let us know if you guys try it x

      Reply

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