Kim's "Grown Up" Macaroni & Cheese

I have been on a mission recently.

I am tired of the "blue box" macaroni & cheese.

I mean sure, it is okay for the kids on occasion, but for Hans & I it just doesn't have that ooey, gooey, yummy cheese flavor I am looking for. It's just missing something (well, a lot actually).

So, for the past couple of months here & there I have been looking for a good, solid, savory macaroni cheese recipe. For adults.

I have yet to find one that stood up to all of my expectations. Many have had almost everything and they were good, don't get me wrong. None of them were able to knock me off my feet though.

So, I combined all my favorite ingredients for each of the recipes and eventually, made my own. Here it is!

Kim's "Grown Up" Macaroni & Cheese

16oz box of Rotini pasta, or Elbow pasta (your choice)

10 slices bacon

1/2 onion

2 cloves garlic

3 tbsp butter

1/2 cup flour

4 cups milk

1 cup heavy whipping cream

8oz block sharp Vermont white cheddar cheese

1 1/2 cup mild cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp thyme

2 tsp Dijon mustard

dash Worcestershire sauce

dash hot sauce

salt & pepper to taste

-----

2 tbsp melted butter & 1/4 c Italian style breadcrumbs (for topping)

------------------------------------------------------

1. Preheat oven to 375*F.
2. Cook pasta until 2 minutes below the box directions (so if it says 11 minutes cook for 9 minutes).
3. While the pasta is cooking - slice bacon and cook the bacon pieces until crispy. Drain and reserve 2 tbsp or so of the drippings. Cook the onion and the garlic in the drippings for 2-3 minutes or until slightly translucent. Drain w/ the bacon.
4. In the same pan, add 3 tbsp butter. When the butter is melted, add the flour and cook for one minute. Slowly add the milk, cup by cup, until combined and thickened. Then, add the heavy cream. Cook on medium heat until bubbly. Remove from heat, then add the spices (nutmeg, thyme, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce). When combined, finally add all the cheeses.
5. Add the bacon/onion/garlic mixture to the cheese sauce. When combined, add the cooked pasta.
6. Spray a 13x9 baking dish with some cooking spray, then add the cheesy pasta mixture. In a separate small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tbsp butter and breadcrumbs, then sprinkle on top. Bake for 30 minutes. ENJOY!!