Comfort With a Kick

Brad Bergaus, Corporate Chef and Director of Menu Innovation, Taco John’s, reimagines nostalgic comfort food through a modern, global lens with his Smoked Dragon Lardon Mac and Cheese. Barilla Cut Macaroni is the perfect carrier for a velvety, heat-laced Sriracha cream sauce. Crisp, caramelized lardons introduce smoky sweetness and umami depth, thanks to a hoisin and brown sugar glaze.

“This dish blends the warmth of home with the thrill of global flavor, offering a daring, delicious take on the kind of comfort food the Midwest does best—just with a little extra fire,” says Bergaus. Fresh Thai chiles lend bright, vegetal heat balancing the richness of the sauce. This pasta build delivers indulgent familiarity with a fiery twist, blending creamy, spicy, smoky and sweet.

Explore even more pasta inspiration from Barilla America. Visit Barilla for Professionals Recipe Collection