Irish Mac and Cheese

The ultimate comfort food. Mac & Cheese is synonymous with fond memories, full bellies and family

Ingredients:
1 pound macaroni, penne or ziti, cooked tender and cooled
4 tablespoons Unsalted Kerrygold Butter
3/4 cup onion, small dice
Pinch of sugar
4 tablespoons all purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup Kerrygold Aged cheddar, grated
1 cup Kerrygold Red Leicester, grated
1 1/2 cups Kerrygold Dubliner, grated
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup breadcrumbs

Directions:
Cook pasta according to package instructions and set aside to cool. In saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, add onion and lightly season with salt. Add a pinch of sugar and cook onion until translucent.

Add flour and cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Do not cook long enough to color. Whisk in milk and cream and incorporate totally. Bring mixture to a simmer; add bay leaf and cloves.

Reduce burner to low heat. Cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn off heat and remove bay leaf. Whisk in 1 cup each of the Aged Cheddar and Red Leicester, until incorporated. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. In large bowl, combine pasta and cheese sauce. Spoon into 2 1/2-quart casserole dish. Combine remaining cheese. Top with grated Dubliner, thyme or other chopped herb, and a small handful of breadcrumbs. Bake at 375° F for 8 to 10 minutes.