Baked Macaroni and Brie

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces dry pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 7 ounces brie, rind removed (about 6 ounce without rind) and cut into chunks
  • Salt and freshly-ground pepper
  • 1/2 cup cracker or fresh bread crumbs
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a medium casserole dish or 4 individual 2-cup dishes and set aside.
  2. Boil pasta to al dente. Drain.
  3. While pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Sprinkle in flour and cook, stirring continuously for 2 minutes, to form a golden brown roux.
  4. Stir in milk and cream. Bring to a boil, stirring continuously, then reduce heat to low. Add cheese and continue to stir until melted and smooth. Salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Toss in drained pasta; combine very well, making sure the sauce soaks the pasta thoroughly. Pour into buttered dishes.
  6. Stir together bread or cracker crumbs with 3 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over dishes.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes.

Yield: 4 servings