Pepato Cheese and Artichoke Bake

Extraordinarily creamy macaroni and cheese loaded with Gouda and pepato cheese, mushrooms, garlic, leeks, chives and chopped artichoke hearts.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 (16-ounce) package elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup leeks (white part only), chopped
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
2 cups (1 pint) heavy cream
2 cups (8 ounces) Wisconsin Gouda Cheese, shredded
1 cup (4 ounces) Wisconsin Pepato Cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained, chopped
4 tablespoons chopped chives - divided use
1/2 cup bread crumbs

Cooking Directions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions; rinse, drain and reserve.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Melt butter in large saucepan until sizzling. Add mushrooms, leeks, and garlic, and sauté over medium heat approximately 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender.
4. Add cream, stir, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low; add cheeses, stirring constantly, just until melted. Stir in the mustard, salt, pepper, artichokes, and 3 tablespoons of chives. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes.
5. Gently stir in cooked macaroni, mixing well. Spoon into a buttered 3-quart, oven-proof baking dish. Sprinkle with bread crumbs.
6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until top is browned.
7. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon of chives before serving.

Makes 8 servings.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Inc.