Macaroni Cheese with Crispy Bacon Crumb

Ingredients

• 400 gram macaroni
• 4 piece bacon rashers, chopped
• 60 gram butter
• 1/3 cup plain flour
• 750 millilitre milk
• 2.5 cup tasty cheese, grated
• 2 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 180°C. Cook the macaroni in boiling salted water for 2 minutes less than the packet says. Drain.
2. 2Fry the bacon in a small frying pan over medium heat for 5 minutes until crispy. Tip onto paper towel.
3. 3Melt the butter in the pasta saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. 4Whisk in the milk a third at a time until smooth. Simmer for 3 minutes until thickened.
5. 5Off the heat, stir in 2 cups of the cheese and the mustard until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. 6Fold the macaroni through the sauce and pour into a 20 x 30 cm baking dish.
7. 7Mix the panko, bacon and remaining cheese, then scatter evenly over the top.
8. 8Bake for 25 minutes until golden and bubbling. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.