Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Pancetta

Steps

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1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 400°F and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the pasta.
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2. 2
   In a deep saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Gradually add the flour while whisking continuously until combined and light-colored, about 2 minutes.
   ▶ ≈0:06
3. 3
   Cook the pasta in the boiling water for about 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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4. 4
   Add about half the warm milk to the béchamel sauce and raise the heat to medium. Whisk continuously for about 3 minutes to thicken. Add the remaining milk, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, and whisk for another 4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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5. 5
   Add the cheese blend and stir over low heat until melted. Mix in the drained pasta until fully coated with the cheese sauce.
   ▶ ≈1:00
6. 6
   Pour the mac and cheese into a baking dish, spread evenly, and bake in the preheated 400°F oven for 15 minutes.
   ▶ ≈1:28
7. 7
   While baking, cook the cubed pancetta in a pan over low heat until crispy, rendering the fat. Drain and set aside. Bacon can be substituted.
   ▶ ≈1:44
8. 8
   After 15 minutes, lower the oven temperature to 350°F and bake for another 10 minutes.
   ▶ ≈2:09
9. 9
   Remove the baking dish, sprinkle the crispy pancetta on top, and return to the oven for 5 more minutes.
   ▶ ≈2:25
10. 10
    Remove from the oven, top with fresh chopped parsley, and serve.
    ▶ ≈2:39