Ingredients
8 ounces macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups dry white wine
2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
7 ounces grated sharp kashkaval or gruyere cheese
5 ounces grated brick or mild Kashkaval cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or chives
1 tablespoon grainy mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne or hot Hungarian paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
4 ounces dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon melted butter
Directions
1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Butter a medium shallow baking dish. Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente. Shock in cold water to stop the cooking process and drain well.
2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, saute the shallots in 2 tablespoons butter until thoroughly cooked but not browned, about 3 minutes. Add flour to make a roux, stirring continuously for 1 minute. Add the wine and cream and whisk until smooth.
3. Add cheeses to saucepan and stir with a wooden spoon until completely melted. Add dill or chives, mustard, paprika if using, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked pasta, coating well with the cheese sauce.
4. Place prepared pan on a baking sheet and fill with macaroni and cheese mixture. Combine bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon melted butter (or more, if necessary). Sprinkle evenly over top of macaroni and cheese and bake until top is browned and cheese is bubbling, 25 to 30 minutes.