3 Cheese Mac & Cheese with Bacon

 

Side

 

Total Time: 1 hr, 10 mins

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Yield: 8 servings

Dish Size: 9x13 Baking Dish

 

 

INGREDIENTS

 

  • non-stick cooking spray
  • 1 lb. medium shells pasta
  • 1 lb. bacon
  • ½ cup butter
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ground pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp dry mustard
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup half & half
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 2 cups Monterey jack cheese, grated
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 Tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)

 

 

Directions

 

  1. Spray a temp-tations® 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. Cook pasta to according to package directions. Drain and return to pot.
  3. Slice bacon crosswise into 1-inch pieces and cook until crisp. Drain completely on paper towels. Set aside.
  4. In a large saucepan, melt ½ cup butter, then sprinkle in flour, pepper, and mustard. Whisk until smooth and allow to cook for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Slowly whisk in milk and half & half until mixture combines. Bring to a simmer and cook until it begins to thicken.
  6. Stir in cheeses and cook until melted and smooth. Stir in pasta until completely incorporated, then stir in bacon. Transfer to baking dish.
  7. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, panko, and ½ cup parmesan. Sprinkle over casserole.
  8. Bake in a preheated 350ºF oven for 30-40 minutes or until bubbly.