Mac Daddy Mac n' Cheese

Ingredients

2 shallots, peeled
3 cloves garlic
1 tsp olive oil
3 pieces pieces bacon, diced, cooked, reserving 1 tablespoon bacon fat
2 tbs flour
4 cups heavy cream
1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 lb penne pasta, cooked
1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
2 tbs melted butter
2 tbs chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place shallots and garlic in a small aluminum foil pouch and drizzle with olive oil. Roast 20 to 30 minutes or until tender. Remove from foil and chop.

In a large saute pan, reheat reserved bacon fat over medium heat. Add roasted shallot and garlic and saute for 1 minute. Add flour and stir for 1 minute. Whisk in heavy cream and thyme. Reduce by a third. Stir in cheeses until melted, creamy and thickened.

Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and gently stir in pasta. Place in a 9X13 casserole dish. In a small bowl, mix together diced bacon, bread crumbs, butter and parsley. Top Mac n Cheese with Panko mixture and bake uncovered at same heat until bubbling and lightly browned on top, 20 to 25 minutes.

Notes

This is a very rich dish. This can be a meal on it's own, or you can use as a (very filling) side to pork chops.