Grown up Mac & Cheese

Alright, this does not get anymore comfort food and close to being a kid again, and then you throw bacon into the mixture and it makes it perfect!!

• Did you know the #1 cheese recipe in America is "Macaroni and Cheese"
  

Ingredients:

4 ounces thick-sliced bacon

Vegetable oil

Salt

2 cups elbow macaroni or cavatappi

1½ cups milk

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4 ounces Smoked cheese, grated (I used Hoffman's hickory smoked cheese)

3 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated

2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Pinch nutmeg

Italian bread crumbs (enough to sprinkle over the top)

Saute the bacon until almost fully cooked, do not crisp the bacon. Also in a separate pot, boil the pasta according to package directions, about 7-8 minutes.



Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don’t boil it. Melt the butter in a medium pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or 2 more, until thickened and smooth.



Remove milk mixture from the heat and add in cheese. Stir consistently until cheese is distributed.



Mix the creamy cheese mixture and bacon in with the pasta, then pour into a 8x9" casserole pan.



Sprinkle the bread crumbs over the top of the pasta. And place in a pre-heated oven (400F)



Pull out of the oven when the topping is golden brown, about 30-35 minutes. And enjoy!