Cheesy Bacon Mac & Cheese

• 1 packet Grilled Bacon Cheeseburger  
• 16 oz. short pasta such as elbow macaroni or spiral noodles
• 6 Tbls. butter
• 3 Tbls. flour
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbls parsley
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 cups Colby Jack cheese shredded & divided (reserve 2 cups)
• 12 oz chopped bacon optional for extra bacon flavor

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. In a large pot, cook desired pasta noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. For extra bacon option, place bacon in a large pan over medium high heat. Cook until crispy for about 4 - 5 minutes. Remove bacon and drain on paper towel.
4. Leave 3 tbls of bacon fat in the pan. If not adding bacon melt butter.
5. Add flour and whisk until combined.
6. Add milk and whisk until combined, cook until sauce thickens.
7. Add heavy cream, 4 cups of cheddar cheese, 2 cups of Colby Jack cheese, smoked paprika and Grilled Bacon Cheeseburger Dip Mix. Cook until cheese is melted stirring often until sauce is smooth
8. Stir in the pasta and and 1/2 of the bacon if desired bring mixture to a simmer.
9. Place macaroni mixture into a 13x9 inch baking dish and top with remaining 2 cups Colby Jack cheese and bacon if desired. Place in oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until cheese melts.