Broccoli Bacon Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:

1/2 pound preferred pasta
4 slices bacon
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, sliced or diced
1 clove of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 1/2 cups cheddar, shredded
1/2, plus 1/4 cup parmesan, shredded, divided
1 small head broccoli, chopped (about 1 - 2 cups)
1/3 cup bread crumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil

Method:

Preheat oven to 350. 

Cook pasta as directed, set aside. 

Over medium heat, fry bacon till crisp. Drain, cool and chop.  Remove all but 1 tablespoon of grease from pan, add butter and sauté onions till translucent  Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds then add flour, cook for 1-2 more minutes.  Stir in wine, cook for 30 seconds longer. Add in milk and thicken till reduced by a third or coats spoon well.  Remove sauce from heat, season with salt and pepper and stir in cheddar and 1/2 cup of the parmesan cheese. Combine cheese sauce with cooked pasta, chopped bacon and broccoli. Pour in to 2 quart baking dish. 

Mix bread crumbs, oil and remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan.  Top mac & cheese with bread crumb mixture and bake for 20 minutes till topping is golden brown.