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Ingredients
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Pasta & Topping
Cheese Sauce
Finishing
Method
Pasta & Topping
- 1
Preheat and prepare bacon
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place bacon slices on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or parchment in a single layer. Bake for 12–18 minutes until crisp but not burnt. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels; when cool, chop into 1/2-inch pieces. Reserve 1 tablespoon of rendered bacon fat and discard the rest or save for another use.
- 2
Cook pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz dry elbow macaroni and cook 1–2 minutes less than package directions so the pasta is just under al dente (about 7–8 minutes depending on brand). Drain well and return to the pot. Toss with the reserved 1 tablespoon bacon fat (or 1 tablespoon butter) to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- 3
Make breadcrumb topping
Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup panko breadcrumbs and toast, stirring, until golden (2–4 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley if using. Set aside.
Cheese Sauce
- 4
Make a roux
In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat until foaming. Sprinkle in 1 1/4 tablespoons all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until the raw flour smell is gone but the roux hasn't browned.
- 5
Add milk and cream
Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream, about 1/2 cup at a time, whisking smooth after each addition. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 6–8 minutes. Do not let it boil hard; reduce heat if necessary.
- 6
Season sauce
Stir in 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard and 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 7
Assembly & Baking
- 8
Combine pasta, sauce, and bacon
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if it's not already at temperature. Lightly butter a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter. Transfer the drained pasta to a large mixing bowl or directly into the prepared dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and fold gently to combine until pasta is evenly coated. Stir in the chopped cooked bacon, reserving about 2 tablespoons for sprinkling on top if desired.
- 9
Top and bake
Sprinkle the assembled macaroni with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, then evenly distribute the toasted panko topping over the surface. Dot the topping with a few small pieces of the remaining butter (or drizzle 1–2 teaspoons melted butter) so it crisps evenly. Bake uncovered in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and lightly golden on top. For a deeper golden crust, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.
- 10
Rest and serve
Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes to firm up. Sprinkle the reserved chopped bacon over the top and garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
