Ultimate Southern Mac & Cheese

By á-178825

Taste of the South recipe.

Ingredients

• 1/2 c unsalted butter
• 1/2 c all purpose flour
• 2/3 c minced yellow onion
• 4 c whole milk
• 4 1/2 c shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 1/2 c shredded smoked mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 lb thick cut bacon, cooked & crumbled
• 3 T whole grain mustard
• 2 T chopped fresh parsley
• 1 1/2 t kosher salt
• 1/2 t ground black pepper
• 1/2 t ground red pepper
• 1/4 t freshly grated nutmeg
• 16 oz pkg penne pasta, cooked

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350. Spray 13x9 in baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

In Lg Dutch oven, melt butter over med high heat. Add flour, whisking to combine. Cook whisking constantly until mixture is light brown approximately 15 min. Add onion; cook stirring frequently until tender, 3-4 min. Add milk, stirring frequently until mixture begins to,thicken, approximately 8 min.

Add 4 c cheddar, 1 3/4 c mozzarella, bacon, mustard, parsley, salt, black pepper, red pepper & nutmeg stirring until cheese melts. Stir in cooked pasta. Spoon into prepared dish; top with remaining 1/2 c cheddar & 3/4 c mozzarella.

Bake until brown & bubbly, 20-25 min.