Name: Company-Worthy Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 12 slices uncooked bacon; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 3 cups (90g) fresh spinach (optional; see note); 1 pound dry elbow pasta; 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 115g) unsalted butter, divided; 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour; 3 cups (720ml) whole milk; 1 cup (240ml) half-and-half (or more whole milk); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard; 5 cups (560g) shredded cheese (I recommend 3 cups white cheddar, 1 cup regular sharp cheddar, and 1 cup gouda); optional: 1/2 cup (45g) breadcrumbs, such as Panko; optional: 1/2 cup (40g) shredded parmesan cheese; optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish