Easy Pastrami Mac and Cheese Dinner Recipe

A smooth cheese sauce of sharp cheddar, with spicy Pastrami and buttered bread crumbs, is baked with noodles!

While the traditional mac and cheese are delicious just as it is, I was craving something different and reached for this recipe for Pastrami Mac and Cheese.

Easy Pastrami Mac and Cheese Dinner Recipe

A smooth cheese sauce of sharp cheddar, with spicy Pastrami and buttered bread crumbs, is baked with farfalle (or your noodle of choice). The result is a wonderful combination of flavors that are ultra comforting and hearty enough to be the main dish of your dinner.

Easy Pastrami Mac and Cheese Dinner Recipe:

Easy Pastrami Mac and Cheese Dinner

Easy Pastrami Mac and Cheese Dinner Recipe

A smooth cheese sauce of sharp cheddar, spicy pastrami, buttered bread crumbs, then baked with noodles!

Ingredients

  • 4 Tbsp. butter plus extra for the baking dish
  • 1/2 lb. farfalle
  • 1/4 c. flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups about 1/2 lb grates sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 lb pastrami diced (scant cup)
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/8 tsp. freshly ground pepper
  • 10 Ritz crackers pulsed in the food processor, about 1/3 cup crumbs

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350-f degrees. Butter an 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat and cook the farfalle until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain.
  • In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the 4 Tbsp. butter. Sprinkle the flour and stir with a wooden spoon until the flour is incorporated, about 1 minute. Gradually add the milk, stirring, and raise the heat to medium. Cook, stirring frequently, until almost boiling and smooth, about 5 minutes. Add the cheeses and stir until melted and incorporated, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the pastrami and lower the heat. Add the pasta and season with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer the pasta to the baking dish and top with the cracker crumbs. Bake until browned and bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes.