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A scoop of Mac and Cheese with Gruyere and kale topped with breadcrumbs on a square plate with a spoon resting on the side of the plate and the remainder of the casserole in a baking dish in the background
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Mac and Cheese With Kale And Gruyere

Rich and creamy Mac and Cheese with Kale and Gruyere is the ultimate indulgent comfort food.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Servings: 8 -10 servings

Ingredients

  • FOR THE KALE
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups chopped kale
  • FOR THE MAC AND CHEESE
  • 1 pound orecchiette
  • 1/2 cup butter 1 stick
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced shallots
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 8 ounces Cheddar cheese grated
  • 6 ounces Gruyere cheese grated
  • 6 ounces Parmesan cheese grated
  • 8 ounces creme fraiche
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • FOR THE TOPPING
  • 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
  • 4 tablespoons butter melted, 1 stick
  • 1/4 cup grated Cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese
  • 1/8 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan on medium-high heat. Add 2 cloves of the minced garlic and cook, stirring for 1 minute. Add the chopped kale and cook, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes.
  • Remove pan from the heat, cover and set aside.
  • Cook the orecchiette in a pot of boiling salted water until just tender; drain and set aside.
  • In a pot, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add the shallots and cook until golden. Add 2 of the minced garlic cloves and the flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
  • Add cream and milk, whisking to remove lumps. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and add cheeses and creme fraiche; let melt.
  • Stir in ground mustard, salt, nutmeg and pepper.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the sauce along with the kale and mix well.
  • Pour into a greased baking dish.
  • Mix the bread crumbs and melted butter together. Stir in the reserved cheeses and sprinkle over pasta.
  • Bake for 25 minutes until cheeses melt.