Macaroni and Cheese with Pancetta (Bobby Flay's Carbonara)

'Alla Carbonara' is an Italian term for a pasta dish that has a sauce made out of cream, eggs, Parmesan cheese and bits of pancetta, prosciutto or bacon. Bobby Flay's twist on traditional macaroni and cheese is not only tastes great but also won him the Throwdown challenge.

1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 (1") thick piece pancetta, finely diced (½ lb)
4-6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour, unbleached
5-6 cups whole milk
4 large egg yolks, lightly whisked
2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
½ tsp. ground cayenne pepper
2 cups Asiago cheese, freshly grated
1½ cups Irish white cheddar, freshly grated
1½ cups American cheddar, freshly grated
1 cup aged Fontina cheese, freshly grated
½ cup Parmigiana Reggiano, freshly grated
sea salt
black pepper, freshly ground
1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked just under al dente
½ cup flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped

Garnish:
¼ cup Asiago cheese, freshly grated
¼ cup Irish white cheddar, freshly grated
¼ cup American cheddar, freshly grated
¼ cup aged Fontina cheese, freshly grated
¼ cup Parmigiana Reggiano, freshly grated

Preheat an oven to 375°F (190°C/170°C fan, Gas Mark 5). Butter the bottom and sides of a 3 qt baking dish and set aside.

Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels.

Add garlic to pan and cook until lightly golden, about 1 minute. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes more. Whisk in hot milk, increase heat to high, and cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Whisk in eggs until incorporated and let cook 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in thyme, cayenne, and all cheese until smooth and melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper. If mixture is too thick, add additional milk ¼ cup at a time.

Transfer cooked macaroni to a large bowl, then add cheese sauce, reserved pancetta, and parsley and stir to combine. Transfer to prepared baking dish.

Mix together an additional ¼ cup of each cheese, then sprinkle over the top. Bake until top is golden brown, about 12-15 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Makes 6 servings.