Stovetop Mac and Cheese with Cheese Crisps

Mascarpone cheese makes this Stovetop Mac and Cheese extra creamy and homemade cheese crisps take the cheesiness to a new level.

Prep Time15

Cook Time20

Total Time35

Course: Main Dish

Servings:

Set aside 1 cup of extra-sharp cheddar. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Using 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, drop cheese in pan to form 8 mounds of cheese. (You may have to do them in 2 batches.) As you drop the cheese spread it out in the shape of a 4-inch pancake. Cook until lacey and golden and then flip over carefully using a flexible spatula. You may mess up the shape of the first few while you are getting the hang of it, but they will still taste good. Cook for about 1 minute on the second side and place on a paper-towel lined plate.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain.
In a very large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes, until bubbling and the raw taste of the flour has had a chance to cook out. Add the paprika and white pepper.
Gradually add the milk, whisking rapidly to keep the mixture smooth. Cook for 5 minutes, whisking constantly, until thick and creamy.
Stir in the remaining 1 cup of cheddar and the fontina and cook over low heat until the cheese melts.
Remove from heat and stir in mascarpone cheese and add salt to taste. Add pasta to sauce and cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until hot. Serve with cheese crisps.