Mushroom, Sage Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (238 grams) panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (32 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh sage (finely chopped)
• 1 pound (453 grams) pasta
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 pound (226 grams) mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage (finely chopped)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (272 ml) whole milk
• 2 cups (272 ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 2 cups (172 grams) sharp white cheddar, grated
• 2 cups (172 grams) gruyère cheese, grated
• 2 cups (172 grams) mozzarella, grated

Instructions

1. 1

   Add the panko, Parmesan and chopped sage to a bowl and mix, set aside.

2. 2

   Preheat oven to 375°F/190°C.Bring a large pan of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Undercook by 2 minutes. * see note

3. 3

   To a large saucepan over medium heat melt 1 tablespoon butter and vegetable oil. Add the mushrooms and cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Stir in the sage and cook for 1 minute.Remove the mushrooms and sage from pan and set aside.

4. 4

   To the same saucepan, add the 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Once butter is melted, whisk in the flour to form a paste and cook for about 2 minutes until it smells nutty and starts to turn brown. Slowly pour in the milk, cream while whisking and starts to thicken. Stir in the salt and nutmeg.

5. 5

   Once thickened and there are no lumps turn the heat down to very low. Stir in the cheddar, gruyère and mozzarella, in small batches allowing it to melt in between additions. Remove from heat as soon as all the cheese is melted. Add the mushrooms and pasta and stir until well mixed.

6. 6

   Transfer to a 8 x 8-inch (21 x 21 cm) baking dish or individual baking dishes and top with the panko breadcrumbs.

7. 7

   Put the the dish onto a baking sheet (to prevent bubbling over) and bake for 15 minutes until the top is golden brown.