Mac n cheese is one of my all-time favourites, and this recipe also includes bacon!

Ingredients

  • 100g/3½oz butter, plus extra for greasing
  • 100g/3½oz plain flour
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1.2 litres/2 pints full-fat milk
  • 75ml/2½fl oz double cream
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 400g/14oz mature cheddar, grated
  • pinch freshly grated nutmeg
  • 500g/1lb 2oz dried macaroni
  • 100g/3½oz smoked bacon lardons or smoked pancetta cubes
  • 60g/2¼oz white breadcrumbs
  • 50g/1¾oz Parmesan, grated
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper