DRESSED-UP BACON MAC AND CHEESE

Dressed-up Bacon Mac and Cheese image

Number Of Ingredients 14

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4 tablespoons Butter (for greasing)
8 ounces Macaroni (uncooked)
2 1/2 cups Milk (cold)
4 ounces Provolone Cheese (coarse grated)
4 ounces Asiago Cheese (coarse grated)
2 Eggs (large)
2 Scallions (chopped)
3 slices Bread (white sandwich torn in small pieces)
4 strips Bacon
1 Onion (chopped)
1 teaspoon Garlic (minced)
3 tablespoons Flour
1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Papper
1 teaspoon Salt (sea salt)

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 2-quart shallow casserole dish. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the macaroni until al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain; transfer the pasta to the prepared casserole dish along with 1/4 cup of the cold milk. (This will cool the pasta and prevent it from becoming gummy.)
2. Meanwhile, mix the cheeses together in a small bowl. Beat the eggs with 1/4 cup of the milk in a medium bowl. Add the scallions, bread and half of the cheese to the egg mixture; set aside.
3. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp; transfer to paper towels to drain. Discard all but 2 tablespoons drippings from the pan. Add the onion and garlic; cook, stirring, until just brown, about 4 minutes. Stir in the flour, cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon salt; cook for 2 minutes. Slowly add the remaining 1 3/4 cups milk and 3/4 cup water to the skillet. Bring to a boil, whisking until thick. Remove the sauce from the heat and whisk to cool slightly. Whisk in the remaining cheese. Add the sauce to the macaroni; stir to combine.
4. Crumble up the bacon and add it to the egg/bread mixture. Spread evenly over the pasta. Place the casserole dish on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown, about 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven; let sit 5 minutes before serving.