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Bacon and Crumbled Mac and Cheese

Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 12 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup smoked gouda cheese shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Cook bacon in a large skillet until very crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble into pieces.
  2. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
  3. In a large pot, melt butter with 2 tablespoons of reserved bacon fat over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking constantly until mixture thickens, about 6-7 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, gouda, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until completely melted and smooth.
  6. Fold in cooked macaroni and three-quarters of the crumbled bacon until evenly distributed.
  7. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  8. Mix panko breadcrumbs with remaining bacon crumbles and sprinkle over the top.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.