Orzo Mac n’ Cheese

Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds dried orzo 

24 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 

¾ cup whole milk 

¾ cup heavy cream 

1 ½ tablespoons freshly ground black pepper

1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt  

Sesame Aleppo Breadcrumbs (page 000)

Instructions 

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

 Make the bread crumbs: Stir the panko, sesame seeds, olive oil, Aleppo pepper, and salt together in a small bowl. Set aside.

 Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions, until al dente, before draining.

 Spread the cheese along the bottom of a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Bring the milk and heavy cream to a simmer in a small saucepan over low heat. Pour the hot liquid over the cheese. Add the orzo, black pepper, and salt and mix well. Top with the reserved bread crumbs. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top. Serve immediately.