Lip Smackin’ Mac & Cheese

Instructions

Bacon

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
3. Place a large cooling rack on the foil lined baking sheet.
4. Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on the rack.
5. In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and chili powder. Coat evenly on one side of bacon with mixture.
6. Bake until bacon is crisp, about 20-25 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and set aside.

Macaroni

1. Cook macaroni according to the package directions minus 1 minute. Drain. Set Aside. 

Sauce

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 
2. In a large saucepan or cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly for about a minute. 
3. Add 1 cup of milk slowly, stirring constantly until paste like. Then add remaining milk and stir or whisk until lumps are gone. 
4. Add 1/2 tsp. salt, 2 cloves of minced garlic and a 1/2 tsp. of black pepper.
5. Stir in cheeses, and cook over low heat until the cheese is melted and sauce is thick. 
6. Put macaroni into cast iron skillet, add half of crumbled bacon, and sauce. Stir well. 

Topping

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. 
2. Add panko crumbs, 1/2 tsp. salt, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/2 tsp. black pepper and stir until golden brown. 

Final Steps

1. Spread topping over macaroni and cheese. 
2. Sprinkle remaining crumbled bacon over mixture. 
3. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden. 
4. Sprinkle top with chopped green onion. Serve.