Mac and Cheese works great in cast iron. It retains more heat than glass or enamel casserole dishes, so it cooks evenly, which comes in handy when you’ve got a dense dish like baked mac and cheese.

skillet mac and cheese

Most of the restaurants around around Somerville have some kind of Mac & Cheese on the menu (Highland Kitchen, The Independent, Trina’s). As far as comfort food goes, it certainly has taste and nostalgia in its favor. I also think it acts as a great basis for the clean-out-the-fridge type of cooking.  Cheese? almost any kind will work, grate it and toss it in. Meat? dice it. Milk or cream? Use them for your sauce. Got leftover greens or carrots in your crisper? Cut em up, toss em in. I think you get the idea.

just add bacon

Skillet Mac & Cheese with Bacon
baking time: 25 minutes
total time including prep: about 90 minutes

1 lb dry pasta
2 strips bacon
6 tbsp butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups whole milk
8 oz cheddar cheese
8 oz gruyere cheese
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Boil pasta in salted water – I usually remove it from the heat 2 minutes before the recommended time. Drain and set aside. Shred cheeses in a grater or food processor, and mix together in a small bowl.

Preheat the oven to 400F. Warm a cast iron skillet or dutch oven over medium heat on the stovetop. Add bacon, cook until browned, and drain on a paper towel.

Build the roux – melt 4 tablespoons butter in bacon grease. Add 1 cup flour, and stir vigorously. Pour milk in a single stream.

pouring milk into roux

Once the milk is absorbed, add cheese, but reserve 1/4 cup. Turn off heat and stir until cheese is melted. Turn pasta into the cheese sauce, then crumble in bacon.

assembling the mac and cheese

Layer half of the breadcrumbs, then remaining 2 tbsp butter chopped into small pieces, then 1/4 cup cheese, then remainder of breadcrumbs.

layering butter, cheese and breadcrumbs

Bake at 400F for 25 minutes. Add cover,  and bake 5 additional minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for another 10-15 minutes with cover on. Slice up with a pie wedge or slotted spoon and serve.

skillet mac and cheese with breadcrumb topping