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Mac and Cheese

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound cavatappi pasta
  • 12 oz bacon (optional) 9-12 slices
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside. Fry bacon until crispy, crumble, and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until thickened. (This can take longer than you think, I cook my roux for at least 5-8 minutes) Stir in cheddar and Gruyere cheeses until melted. Mix in mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add pasta and bacon to the cheese sauce, coating evenly. Transfer to a greased 9x13" baking dish.
  4. Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.