Smoked Gouda Bacon Mac & Cheese

1: Preheat the oven to 400°F.

2: Fill a stockpot ⅔ with water, add 1-2 tbsp of salt, and bring to a boil.

3: Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions (7-10 minutes). Drain and return to pot with drizzled oil to prevent sticking.

4: In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and leave the grease in the pan.

5: Add butter to the bacon grease over medium heat. When melted, whisk in the flour until no lumps remain.

6: Add milk and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer until the mixture starts to foam but not boiling.

7: Reduce heat to low and whisk in cheeses, salt, and pepper until melted.

8: Fold in cooked pasta until fully incorporated.

9: Pour mac & cheese into a baking dish and sprinkle with bacon bits.

10: Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbling and golden brown. Optionally, remove halfway through cooking, cover with breadcrumbs, and return until browned and crisp on top.

11: Use a spoon to serve.