Reblochon, Leek and Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese

How to make it

Reblochon is extra creamy and melts well, making it the ideal cheese for this Mac ‘n’ Cheese recipe. The leek adds texture and the bacon extra salty flavour. A perfect mid-week dinner.

Step 1

Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil. Add the coarse sea salt, then let the water return to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni, stir well and cook according to the package instructions until very tender. Stir periodically to prevent the macaroni from sticking together. When cooked, drain, rinse well under running water and let drip dry in a colander.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 180 C (350 F) Gas 4.

Arrange the leeks in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle over 2 tablespoons of the oil and toss to coat lightly. Roast in the oven for about 15 minutes until tender and just charred. Remove the leeks from the oven and transfer to a very large bowl. Season lightly with salt and set aside.

Step 3

Heat the remaining oil in a sauté pan. Add the bacon and cook over medium–high heat for 5–10 minutes until well browned. Drain away the excess fat and add to the leeks in the bowl.

Step 4

Preheat the grill/broiler to medium hot.

Combine the cream and crème fraîche/sour cream in a large saucepan and bring just to the boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat, add the grated cheese and diced Reblochon and stir well to melt.

Put the cooked macaroni in the bowl with the leeks. Pour over the hot cream sauce and mix well. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

Step 5

Transfer the macaroni mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly. Arrange the remaining Reblochon slices on top, finish with a good grinding of black pepper and sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Grill/broil for 5–10 minutes until the top is crunchy and golden brown. Serve immediately.

Recipe courtesy of:

Mac ‘n’ cheese by Laura Washburn
Photography by Steve Painter

Published by Ryland Peters & Small