Bacon mac N cheese

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta

• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)

• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Bacon:

   • In a separate pan, cook the bacon until crispy. Once cooked, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.

3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

   • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

4. Add Milk:

   • Gradually whisk in the milk to the roux, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.

5. Add Cheeses:

   • Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

6. Season the Sauce:

   • Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Adjust the seasoning to taste.

7. Combine Pasta, Bacon, and Cheese Sauce:

   • Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated. Fold in the crumbled bacon.

8. Serve:

   • Spoon the Bacon Mac 'n' Cheese into serving bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

9. Enjoy:

   • Serve immediately and savor the creamy and cheesy goodness of this Bacon Mac 'n' Cheese!

This Bacon Mac 'n' Cheese recipe is a comforting and indulgent dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish at gatherings. The addition of bacon adds a delicious savory element to the classic macaroni and cheese.