Ingredients
- 3 Cups Caulflower Chopped to match pasta
- 2 Cups Pasta Any cut shape
- 4 Strips Bacon, Peppered or not Chopped in 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 Cup Grape tomatoes Any color
- 1 Tblsp. Butter
- 1/2 Cup Red Onion Finely chopped
- 2 Tblsp. Wondra flour
- 2 Cups 1% milk
- 1/4 Tsp. Pepper Sauce Or to taste
- 1 Tsp. Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 Tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 Cups Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese About 4 ounces grated
- 1 Tblsp. Fresh Thyme Leaves
- 3/4 Cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 1 Tblsp. Butter
- 1 Tsp. Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Tsp. Paprika
Servings:
Instructions
- Cook pasta “al dente” in a large pot of lightly salted boiling water. When the pasta is almost done, add the cauliflower and cook for 2 minutes or so. Drain and place in a rectangular baking dish that has been lightly coated with non-stick spray.
- Slice the tomatoes in half and place on a broiler pan that is lightly coated with cooking spray. Spray the tomatoes lightly with more cooking spray. Broil until the tomatoes begin to break down and are lightly browned. Add to the pasta and cauliflower.
- Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook stirring occasionally until the bacon is browned. Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels before adding to the casserole dish.
- Remove all but a scant tablespoon of the bacon drippings from the pan. Add the first tablespoon of butter. When it melts, add the red onion. Cook for several minutes until the onion begins to soften.
- Add the flour and stir to coat the onions. Continue to cook and stir for 2-3 minutes. Do not let the mixture brown.
- Add 1/2 cup of the milk and stir to create a smooth paste. Slowly add the rest of the milk, stirring constantly to keep things smooth. Conttinue to cook and stir until the mixture is thickened, 5 minutes or so.
- Add the mustard, pepper sauce and Worcestershire sauce to the pan and stir to mix. Remove from heat and add the cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted. Pour over the mixture in the baking dish.
- Melt the second tablespoon of butter in a small pan. Add the Panko, garlic powder, and paprika to the pan and toss until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle on top of the casserole.
- Cover with foil and bake in a pre-heated 375 degree oven for 25 minutes or so (it should be bubbly around the edges). Remove the foil and return to the oven for 10 minutes more. The crumbs should be golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes or so before serving.
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