Mac and Cheese

By cooksalot

Ingredients

• Mmm

Preparation

Step 1

To make the gravy, combine the milk, bay leaf, and thyme in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Pour into a bowl and let steep for 30 minutes. Wipe the pan clean, add the butter, then return the pan to low heat. When the butter starts to foam, add the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until lightly toasted, about 10 minutes. Remove the herbs from the milk and discard them, then pour the milk into the saucepan, whisking constantly, bring to a simmer, and cook until smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with the salt and pepper, then remove from the heat and keep warm.

To make the cheese sauce, heat the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. When the butter starts to foam, add flour and cook, whisking constantly, until lightly toasted, about 10 minutes. Pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer, and cook, stirring often, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the mustard powder and hot sauce, then add 1 pound of the cheddar and all of the cheese product and stir until melted and smooth. Remove the sauce from the heat and keep warm.

To make the mac and cheese, heat the oven to 400°F. Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat, add the bacon strips, and cook, turning once, until they’re crisp, about 10 minutes. Transfer the bacon to paper towels, reserving the bacon fat for another use (do not wipe out the skillet). Remove the skillet from the heat. Crumble the bacon into small pieces, then return them to the skillet. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook until the pasta is tender but still crunchy, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain the pasta, then stir it into the cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

Pour the macaroni and cheese over the bacon and smooth the top. Pour the gravy over the macaroni and cheese and spread it evenly over the top. Sprinkle on the remaining ¼ pound cheddar, then bake until bubbling and golden brown on top, about 35 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper