Mac and cheese with extra crispy bacon

Servings: 4

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 to 12 slices bacon, cut into lardons
• 1 L (4 cups) short pasta (macaroni or elbows), uncooked
• 1 cup (250 ml) yellow onion, minced
• 1 oz (2 tbsp) maple syrup
• 2 oz (1/4 cup) butter
• 2 oz (2 tbsp) flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup cheese curds
• 1 cup crispy chips of your choice, coarsely crushed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy.
4. Remove and set aside in a bowl, leaving the cooking fat in the skillet.
5. Add the onion to the skillet and cook gently until tender and golden brown.
6. Add the maple syrup and caramelize for a few minutes.
7. Add the butter directly to the onions, melt, then sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the onions.
8. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to form a smooth, thick sauce.
9. Add the cheddar and Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is creamy.
10. Add the bacon and stir.
11. Add the pasta and coat with the sauce.
12. Remove from heat and gently stir in the cheese curds.
13. Pour the mixture into an ovenproof dish, sprinkle the crispy chips on top, and bake in the oven until the top is golden brown and crispy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.