Smoky Creamy Mac and Cheese

(Courtesy of Becky Blank)

Ingredients:
2 c. uncooked elbow macaroni
1/4 c. butter, cubed
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
2 c. 2% milk
1 tub (8 oz.) chive cream cheese spread
1 c. (4 oz.) velveeta, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/3 c. panko bread crumbs
2 Tbsp. butter, melted

Directions:
Cook macaroni according to package directions.  In a large saucepan, melt butter.  Stir in flour until smooth, gradually add milk.  Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.  Stir in the cream cheese, velveeta, cheddar cheese, bacon, salt and pepper.

Drain macaroni, stir in the cheese sauce.  Transfer to a greased 8 inch square baking dish.  Combine bread crumbs and the melted butter; sprinkle over casserole.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly.

Note~ You can omit the bacon to make this a vegetarian dish.

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