Not Yo' Mama's Mac 'n' Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• 1 (4 ounce) package thinly sliced prosciutto
• 1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups whipping cream
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 2 (10 ounce)  blocks sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces shredded smoked gouda cheese
• 2 ounces shredded parmesan cheese

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 400°. Bake breadcrumbs in a single layer on a baking sheet 5 to 7 minutes or until golden, stirring once after 2 1/2 minutes.

2. 2

   Cook prosciutto, in batches, in a lightly greased large skillet over medium heat 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until crisp. Drain on paper towels; crumble.

3. 3

   Prepare pasta according to package directions.

4. 4

   Meanwhile, melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat; add shallot, and sauté 3 minutes or until tender. Add wine, stirring to loosen particles from bottom of Dutch oven, and cook 1 minute.

5. 5

   Gradually whisk in flour until smooth; cook, whisking constantly, 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and next 4 ingredients; cook, whisking constantly, 12 to 14 minutes or until mixture thickens and begins to bubble. Remove and discard bay leaf.

6. 6

   Place 4 cups (16 oz.) Cheddar cheese in a large heatproof bowl. Reserve remaining Cheddar cheese for another use. Add Gouda and Parmesan cheeses to bowl.

7. 7

   Gradually pour white sauce over cheeses, whisking until cheeses are melted and sauce is smooth.

8. 8

   Stir in pasta and prosciutto until blended. Pour into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish; sprinkle with breadcrumbs.

9. 9

   Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until bubbly. Serve immediately.