Bacon-Chive Mac and Mimolette

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for pasta and cook to package directions. Reserve pasta water.

In a large skillet, cook bacon and set aside. Leave 1 tbsp of bacon grease in the pan. On medium-low heat, add 3 tbsp of butter to bacon grease and melt. Slowly add in flour and whisk/stir until a creamy brown consistency occurs. Add in milk and heavy cream, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring consistently. If the sauce is too thin, bring the mixture to a low simmer to allow to thicken. Season the sauce with salt, pepper and smoked paprika.

Reduce heat to low and add chives and half of the grated Mimolette. Stir until cheese sauce is consistent and creamy. If sauce is too thick, add in a touch of reserved pasta water or extra milk to loosen the sauce to desired consistency.

Stir in cooked pasta, bacon and remaining grated Mimolette. Garnish with extra bacon and chopped chives. Enjoy!