COVER RECIPE
ULTIMATE MAC & CHEESE
Two kinds of cheese, plenty of bacon, and fresh herbs and spices make this creamy side dish one of a kind.
Makes 8 to 10 servings
½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup all-purpose flour
⅔ cup minced yellow onion
4 cups whole milk
1 pound thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided
4½ cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese, divided
2½ cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese, divided
3 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
3 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, divided
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground