# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 pound elbow macaroni
→ Cheese Sauce
02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 3 cups whole milk
05 - 1 cup heavy cream
06 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
13 - 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
14 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Bacon Crumble
15 - 6 slices thick-cut bacon
16 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
17 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
18 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F and lightly grease an 18x13 inch rimmed sheet pan.
02 - Boil macaroni in salted water for 2 minutes less than package directions, then drain and set aside.
03 - Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; whisk in flour and cook 1 minute until bubbly without browning.
04 - Gradually whisk in milk and cream; simmer, stirring often, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
05 - Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
06 - Remove from heat, then add cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
07 - Add drained pasta to cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to coat evenly.
08 - Evenly spread mac and cheese mixture in prepared sheet pan.
09 - Fry bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp; drain on paper towels, crumble, and set aside.
10 - Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then fold in crumbled bacon and optional parsley.
11 - Evenly sprinkle bacon crumble mixture over mac and cheese in pan.
12 - Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
13 - Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
