1 – 12 oz. package of DaBecca Applewood Smoked Uncured Bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces
1 lb. Cavatappi pasta
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
½ cup flour
5 cup whole milk
2 cups plus ¼ cup sharp cheddar, shredded
3 cups plus ¼ cup Gruyere, shredded
¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Heat oven to 350°F
Cook cavatappi according to package directions
Add bacon to a large, wide sauté pan and then heat pan over medium-high heat. Cook bacon until browned and starting to crisp. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon, reserving fat in the pan
Reduce heat to medium. Add the garlic and flour to the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Mixture should bubble, but not brown
Slowly whisk in the milk. Bring mixture to a boil, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. When thickened, reduce heat to low and stir in 2 cups cheddar and 3 cups Gruyere. After cheese is melted, stir in nutmeg, salt, and pepper
Add cooked bacon and cavatappi to sauce. Mix until combined and then pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar and Gruyere
Bake for 20 minutes, or until heated through and the top is lightly browned
