How do you make mac 'n' cheese better? Add bacon of course! This oozing cheesy pasta bake is also rich with Red Leicester and finished with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Double up the recipe for a family meal.

Prep Time

    •    Prep and cook time: 45 minutes
    •    Yield: Serves 2

Ingredients

    •    olive oil
    •    1 tbsp butter
    •    1 tsp plain flour
    •    250ml whole milk
    •    1 tsp mustard powder
    •    100g Red Leicester, grated
    •    1 clove garlic, finely chopped
    •    175g rigatoni or other short pasta
    •    4 slices streaky bacon, grilled until crisp
    •    1 handful breadcrumbs, fresh and chunky

Method

1. Heat the oven to 200c/fan 180c/gas 6. Put the breadcrumbs on a baking sheet, drizzle with oil, season, and bake for 5 minutes.
2. Melt the butter in a pan. Add the garlic and mustard and cook for 1 minute. Add the flour and whisk on a low heat for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, then bring to a boil, whisking. Reduce heat and simmer until thick (about 4 minutes). stir in the cheese until melted.
3. Boil the pasta until al dente, drain and mix with the cheese sauce and bacon. Spoon into 2 large ramekins. Top each with breadcrumbs and bake for 20 minutes until golden.

This great family recipe is thanks to Olive Magazine at https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/one-pots/mac-n-cheese-with-bacon/