Crab Bisque Macaroni and Wisconsin Cheese

When you want to dress it up a little bit, try this elegant version of macaroni and cheese.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup chicken broth, canned or homemade
• 1 cup diced canned tomatoes, drained
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup (4 ounces) sharp Wisconsin Cheddar, shredded, divided
• 1 cup (4 ounces) Wisconsin Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded, divided
• 8 ounces cooked crabmeat; fresh, thawed or canned and drained (or substitute imitation crab from seafood department)
• 1 tablespoon dry sherry
• 8 ounces penne pasta, cooked al dente according to package directions, drained

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In large, deep saucepan, melt 1/2 tablespoon butter until sizzling. Add onion; Sauté over medium heat about 3 minutes or until tender. Add remaining butter. When sizzling add the flour and cook, stirring, until the flour is golden.
3. Oven medium heat, gradually whisk milk and chicken broth into flour butter mixture. Cook, stirring constantly 8 to 10 minutes, until the mixture is thick and smooth. Stir in tomatoes, rosemary, salt and pepper. Bring just to boiling point and remove from heat. Add 2/3 cup each of the Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until the cheese is melted. Stir in crabmeat and sherry. Stir in the pasta, mixing well.
4. Transfer mixture to an oval 8 x 10-inch lightly buttered casserole (or slightly larger.)
5. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the casserole and bake until bubbly, about 20 minutes.

Attribution

Recipe and photo used with permission from: Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin