Bacon Mac and Cheese

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Step 2

Grate the blocks of parmesan, mild cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses and place in a large bowl. Mix to combine and set aside. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the cheese mixture for the roux.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour.

Step 4

Slowly add 2 cups of milk to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper and continue stirring until smooth.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and and whisk periodically until sauce has thickened.

Step 6

Add the reserved 1 1/2 cups of the grated cheese mixture. Stir until melted and smooth.

Step 7

Remove from heat. Fold in the cooked macaroni pasta until well coated in the cheese sauce.

Step 8

Next, coat a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Pour the macaroni and cheese sauce mixture into the pan.

Step 9

Spread the remaining grated cheese mixture over the macaroni. Reserve and set aside 1/4 cup bacon crumbles. Spread the remaining bacon evenly over the cheese.

Step 10

In a small bowl, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add 1/2 cup of Panko bread crumbs and 1/4 cup of the reserved bacon. Stir to combine. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 11

Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.