Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1/2 cuppanko breadcrumbsAmount1/2 cupIngredientpanko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cupgrated parmesan cheeseAmount1/2 cupIngredientgrated parmesan cheese
• 3 tbspbutterAmount1/2 cupIngredientbutter, melted
• 1/2 tsppaprikaAmount1/2 tspIngredientpaprika
• 8 slices thick-cut baconAmount8Ingredientslices thick-cut bacon, diced, diced
• 1(16-ounce) package elbow macaroniAmount1Ingredient(16-ounce) package elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cupbutterAmount1/2 cupIngredientbutter
• 1/2 cupflourAmount1/2 cupIngredientflour
• 4 cupmilkAmount4 cupIngredientmilk
• 1 tspsaltAmount1 tspIngredientsalt
• 1/4 tsppepper
• 12 ozshredded cheddar cheeseAmount12 ozIngredientshredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, stir together the panko, parmesan, butter, and paprikaAmount1/2 tspIngredientpaprika until well combined. Set aside.

2. 2

   In a medium pan set over medium-high heat, cook the baconAmount8Ingredientslices thick-cut bacon, diced until crispy, about 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.

3. 3

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

4. 4

   Meanwhile, in another large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour as the butter begins to bubble. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until you have a smooth, lightly-browned, peanut butter-colored roux. Gradually stir in the milk, salt, and pepper. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar cheeseAmount12 ozIngredientshredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously for about 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted. Remove from heat.

5. 5

   Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir until the noodles are...: Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir until the noodles are completely coated. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 4-quart baking dish and top generously with the prepared panko mixture and baconAmount8Ingredientslices thick-cut bacon, diced. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.