CRAWFISH MAC AND CHEESE

2 1/2 cups milk, divided
1 large onion, chopped and divided
1 bay leaf
12 ounces uncooked tube-shaped pasta
2 cups crawfish tail meat
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup shredded Fontina cheese
1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
2 teaspoons truffle oil or extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red cayenne pepper (optional)


Heat two cups milk, one-half of the chopped onion, and the bay leaf in a large saucepan until tiny bubbles form around the edges; do not boil.


Cover and remove from heat; let stand 15 minutes.


Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.


While milk is resting, heat a large non-stick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Add the remaining chopped onion, cook, stirring frequently until golden.


Add in crawfish tail meat and minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly for 4 minutes.


Strain milk mixture through a colander over a bowl; set solids aside. Combine remaining 1/2 cup milk, salt, and flour in a small bowl or measuring cup, stirring with a fork until well blended.


Gradually stir the flour mixture into crawfish mixture adding the onion solids, stirring constantly; bring the mixture to a boil, cook 1 more minute. Add red pepper if using.


Remove from heat; allow to cool and thicken slightly.


Gradually add Fontina and Gruyere cheeses, stirring until cheeses melt.


Stir in the cooked pasta and truffle oil and then spoon the mixture into a 9×13 glass or ceramic baking dish.


Combine Panko , Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Drizzle with olive oil; combine with a fork until crumbs are moist. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over pasta.


Place dish on the middle rack in 375 preheated oven; bake 15-20 minutes or until top is golden brown and casserole is bubbly. Serve warm.


Mild Provolone, Gruyere, and Gouda cheeses may be substituted for Fontina Swiss cheese and Jarlsberg,may be substituted for Gruyere.