#tillamookcheddar

[yennieluv]

♡ Paleo mini sausage and bacon cheddar breakfast biscuits! ♡ And the best news each one is less than 200 calories! (: . . . . . #almondflour #paleo #sausage #bacon #tillamookcheddar #pharmdtotable #pdxeats #foodie #amateurchef #healthnut #fatkiddiaries #cooking (at Portland, Oregon)

[chandazea]

When it's been a long full (good) day of loading & unloading kilns, unpacking my life and a few too many hours online, it's good to know that dinner can be a simple process of assemblage... #eatlocal #foodporn #figs #tillamookcheddar #allthenoms #noneedtocook #portlandlife (at NE Portland Area)

[piratematthea]

Tonight's dinner: cumin roasted sweet potatoes, kale, and black bean quesadilla 😍 #adultlife #saturdaythings #eatyourveggies #eattherainbow #cheese #tillamookcheddar

[selloutmofo]

It's a #grilledcheese with pickles and southern baked beans kind of day. 👍🏼 #tillamookcheddar #pepperjack #kosher

[laurenebowyer]

Bacon Mac & Cheese

There's nothing more comforting than a bowl of Mac & Cheese. This is stuff is so irresistible - you only start off with a small portion in your bowl, but before you know it you've gone back for seconds and thirds. What's even better about this Mac & Cheese is that I've thrown in some delicious hickory smoked bacon and topped it with buttery breadcrumbs for some delicious crunch. This Mac & Cheese won't last long!

Bacon Mac & Cheese - makes 6-8 servings

10-12 slices of thick cut hickory smoked bacon

1 lb. cavatappi or elbow macaroni 

1 quart (4 cups) whole milk

6 tbs. + 4 tbs. unsalted butter

1/2 cup AP flour

12 oz. Gruyere cheese (approx. 4 cups grated)

8 oz. extra-sharp Cheddar cheese (approx. 2 cups grated)

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. mustard powder

7 slices fresh white bread

2 oz. parmesan cheese (approx. 1/4 cup grated)

S & P, to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. 

Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil. Place a wire rack or metal tray on the sheet pan. Lay out pieces of bacon on the wire rack and roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, depending on your oven.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water with a tablespoon of salt to a boil and add the pasta. Cook until al dente, it will continue to cook in the oven. 

As the pasta and bacon are cooking, heat the milk in a small sauce pan to just under a boil (scalding).

In a medium sauce pan, heat 6 tablespoons of butter. Once butter has melted, add 1/2 cup of flour, whisking until combined and slightly golden. Once the milk has come to temperature, add to the butter and flour mixture, whisking constantly. Add 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, the nutmeg and the mustard powder. Whisk until the mixture is slightly thick.

Off the heat, add the shredded Gruyere and cheddar cheese and whisk until melted and combined. 

Once the bacon is crisp, take them it of the oven and allow it to come to room temperature. Blot off any excess grease and cut into 1/2 inch pieces. 

Lower the temperature of your oven to 350 degrees F. 

Combine the pasta, cheese mixture and bacon into a large bowl. Toss to combine. 

Remove the crusts from the 7 slices of fresh bread. Place the slices into a food processor and pulse until they become crumbs. Combine with shredded parmesan cheese, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp of pepper. 

Butter a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Pour the macaroni and cheese into the casserole dish. Top with bread crumbs. 

Bake for 30 minutes and until the top is crispy. Serve immediately.

Hope you enjoy!