Gemelli and Cheese Casserole

Preparation Method

1. Position one oven rack in the middle position and one rack in the top position. Preheat the oven to Bake 400°F. 
2. Prepare pasta following package directions. Salt the water generously. 
3. In a small sauté pan, over medium heat, brown the pancetta. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towel to drain. Set aside.. 
4. In a small bowl, stir together flour and cayenne pepper. 
5. In a baking dish, layer one-third of the cooked pasta. Place one-third of butter evenly over the pasta. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the flour mixture over top. Add one-third of the pancetta.  Sprinkle with one-third Gruyere cheese and one-third cheddar cheese. Add one-third pimentos. Repeat this step two more times for a total of three layers. 
6. Pour in milk. 
7. Place in the oven on the middle rack and bake until cheese is melted, 20-25 minutes. 
8. Remove from the oven and stir until blended. 
9. Layer the tomatoes over the top. Season with salt and pepper 
10. Spread panko, evenly over the top. Drizzle with olive oil. 
11. Return to the oven on the top rack. Bake until browned, 7-10 minutes. 
12. Let stand 10 minutes. Serve hot. 

Pro Tip

If cooking 2 casseroles in the oven at the same time, you may need to decrease the cooking temperature to 350°F and extending the cooking times. Adding topping breading and rotating the baking dishes at the end of cooking will ensure even browning for each dish.

Products Used in this Recipe

Elite Countertop Oven with Convection