Mac Daddy Mac & Cheese

By Realtychick

Ingredients

• 1 shallot, peeled
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 pieces bacon, diced, cooked, reserving 1 tablespoon bacon fat
• 1 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 pound penne pasta, cooked
• 1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 1 tbsp. melted butter
• 1 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place shallots and garlic in a small aluminum foil pouch and drizzle with olive oil. Roast 20 to 30 minutes or until tender. Remove from foil and chop. In a large saute pan, reheat reserved bacon fat over medium heat. Add roasted shallot and garlic and saute for 1 minute. Add flour and stir for 1 minute. Whisk in heavy cream and thyme. Reduce by a third. Stir in cheeses until melted, creamy and thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and gently stir in pasta. Place in a 8x10 casserole dish. In a small bowl, mix together diced bacon, bread crumbs, butter and parsley. Top Mac n Cheese with Panko mixture and bake uncovered at same heat until bubbling and lightly browned on top, 20 to 25 minutes.