Easy Pancetta Mac & Cheese

Name: Easy Pancetta Mac & Cheese
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 package Uncured Pancetta; 2 boxes Shells &amp; White Cheddar Mac; 4 tbsp. butter; 6 tbsp. milk; 1/2-3/4 cup shredded Unexpected Cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp. Panko breadcrumbs

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Ingredients

1 package Uncured Pancetta
2 boxes Shells & White Cheddar Mac
4 tbsp. butter
6 tbsp. milk
1/2-3/4 cup shredded Unexpected Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp. Panko breadcrumbs

Directions

Sauté pancetta in a medium large pot over medium high heat until browned, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel to drain
Use the same pot to prepare mac & cheese, according to package directions
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400ºF
Return cooked pasta to the pot, and add butter, milk, cheese packets, and cooked pancetta
Transfer to a sprayed casserole dish. Sprinkle with unexpected cheddar and breadcrumbs. Lightly spray with olive oil
Bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 25 minutes
Serve & enjoy!

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How do I clean my wooden spatula?

Hand-wash, dry, and oil—three simple steps:

Quick hand-wash Rinse the spatula under warm water, add a drop of mild dish soap, and scrub with a soft sponge or dishcloth. Skip abrasive scrubbers—they rough up the grain.

Towel-dry right away Wood soaks up water if it sits wet. Pat the spatula completely dry, then let it finish air-drying upright or on a rack (never flat on a damp counter).

Oil occasionally When the surface looks dull or feels “thirsty,” rub in a thin coat of food-grade mineral oil or a beeswax-based board cream. Wipe off excess and let it cure overnight. This step seals the pores, helps repel stains, and keeps the wood from cracking.

What to avoid

Dishwashers & soaking: Prolonged heat and moisture can warp or split wood. Harsh detergents or bleach: They strip the natural oils and leave the wood brittle.
Resting on a hot pan’s rim: Direct, sustained heat can scorch or warp the handle.

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Not Pat the Spatula's style! Pat's eco-friendly beechwood body has a tight grain that helps keep funky odors and flavors from sticking around. So go ahead—whip up garlicky pastas, spicy stir-fries, or sweet caramel. I’ll stay fresh and ready for whatever’s next. Just give me a good hand wash and let me dry out between adventures.

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3. Refresh with oil – When dry, wipe on a thin coat of food-grade mineral oil. This resets the odor barrier and keeps the wood from drying out. Do this occasionally (or after especially pungent dishes), and your spatula will stay smell-free for years of everyday cooking.

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How long will a wooden spatula last?

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