Cyril Lignac's Crispy Macaroni Gratin: An Easy, Gourmet Recipe Inspired by Mac and Cheese

Pasta and pasta lovers share a timeless romance! A 2020 YouGov study reveals that 7 out of 10 French people enjoy pasta at least once a week. Everyone cherishes their go-to pasta shape and dish – farfalle, penne, spaghetti, tagliatelle with Bolognese, pesto, or simply butter and grated cheese. Pasta offers endless versatility. For an elevated twist, renowned chef and pastry chef Cyril Lignac shared his crispy macaroni gratin recipe on his show "Tous en cuisine" on M6. This gourmet, beginner-friendly dish draws inspiration from the classic American mac and cheese.

Cyril Lignac's Crispy Macaroni Gratin Recipe

Preparation time: 35 minutes.

For 4 servings of Cyril Lignac's macaroni gratin, you'll need:

• 250g macaroni
• 20g butter
• 20g flour
• ½ liter of whole milk
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 150g pancetta or bacon
• 50g sliced bread
• 100g grated Parmesan cheese
• 100g grated Emmental cheese

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Boil water in a saucepan and cook the macaroni. Drain and set aside.
2. In another saucepan over medium heat, make the béchamel: Melt the butter, stir in the flour, then gradually add the milk while whisking vigorously until creamy.
3. Reduce heat, cook for 4 minutes, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Remove from heat, stir in the mustard and grated Emmental cheese until smooth.
5. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, then transfer to an oven-safe gratin dish.
6. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the pancetta or bacon. Add the bread slices and crisp them in the fat, stirring to combine.
7. Scatter the browned bacon-bread mixture evenly over the pasta to cover the top.
8. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake at 200°C for 5 minutes until golden.

Also read:

Cyril Lignac's strawberry soup: A delicious, simple recipe perfect for sunny days

Osso buco by Cyril Lignac: A quick, easy, and delicious family dish

Piedmontese salad by Cyril Lignac: An easy, flavorful recipe that "sticks to the ribs!"