Garlic. Bacon. Mac and Cheese.

Have you ever ordered a $10 Mac and Cheese at a restaurant and thought to yourself, "I can probably make this better"?  Well I did.  And then I did.  And it was awesome.  You're welcome.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb macaroni noodles
• 1/2 lb sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 slices of thick cut bacon
• 6 cloves of garlic
• 3 cups milk
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven 350 degrees 

2. Cook macaroni as directed on package.  Drain.  Set aside.

3. Chop bacon into chunks and cook until crispy in cast iron skillet.  Put on paper towel to drain.  Remove grease from pan.

3. In same cast iron skillet, melt 3 tbsp of butter and saute garlic for 1-2 mins.

4. Add flour to butter and garlic.  Whisk until flour is golden.

5. Slowly add milk to skillet. Whisk until combined.

 6. Add a tiny bit of hot milk mixture to 1 beaten egg.  Then add egg to mixture.

7. Add nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste.

8. Add cheese and most of bacon to sauce and stir until combined.

9. Add cooked pasta to sauce in skillet. Stir until combined.

10. Top with bread crumbs, salt and pepper, and remaining bacon.

11. Bake 25-30 mins or until top is golden brown and crispy.

Serve with a nice green salad or just grab a spoon and dig in.