Mustard Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

• 0.5 packages Cheddar cheese , 8 ounce
• 4 slices back bacon , Optional
• 1 package elbow macaroni , 8 ounce
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 pint milk
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard , such as Maille Dijon Originale®
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 leek , trimmed and cut into thin rings

Instructions

1. 1

   Grate 1/2 of the Cheddar cheese; cut the rest into small cubes.

2. 2

   Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and crispy, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels.

3. 3

   Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

4. 4

   Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain.

5. 5

   Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add flour; cook and stir for 1 minute. Stir in milk gradually; cook until sauce thickens, about 6 minutes. Add grated Cheddar cheese and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Stir cubed Cheddar cheese and leek rings into the sauce.

6. 6

   Pour sauce into the pot of macaroni; stir well. Pour into a baking pan.

7. 7

   Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling and golden, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle bacon on top.