Dressed-Up Bacon Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• unsalted butter, for greasing
• 8 ounces macaroni
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 4 ounces provolone cheese, coarsely grated
• 4 ounces asiago cheese, coarsely grated
• 2 large eggs
• 2 scallions, white and green parts, chopped
• 3 slices white bread, torn into small pieces
• 3 slices bacon
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. 2

   Butter a 2-quart shallow casserole dish. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the macaroni until al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain; transfer the pasta to the prepared casserole dish along with 1/4 cup of the cold milk. (This will cool the pasta and prevent it from becoming gummy.)

3. 3

   Meanwhile, mix the cheeses together in a small bowl. Beat the eggs with 1/4 cup of the milk in a medium bowl. Add the scallions, bread and half of the cheese to the egg mixture; set aside.

4. 4

   Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp; transfer to paper towels to drain. Discard all but 2 tablespoons drippings from the pan. Add the onion and garlic; cook, stirring, until just brown, about 4 minutes. Stir in the flour, cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon salt; cook for 2 minutes. Slowly add the remaining 2 cups milk to the skillet. Bring to a boil, whisking until thick. Remove the sauce from the heat and whisk to cool slightly. Whisk in the remaining cheese. Add the sauce to the macaroni; stir to combine.

5. 5

   Crumble up the bacon and add it to the bread mixture. Spread evenly over the pasta. Place the casserole dish on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown, about 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven; let sit 5 minutes before serving.