Mom’s Mac ’n’ Cheese with Bacon

My mom made scrumptious macaroni and cheese in the cast-iron Dutch oven she received as a wedding present. With its creamy sauce, sautéed onions, paprika, and loads of sharp cheddar cheese, my siblings and I loved it, especially the crunchy-cheesy topping. When I added bacon to the filling, plus Parmesan and panko to the topping, the mac was attacked with a vengeance, thus getting the nickname of “macattacaroni.” Leave out the bacon, or use turkey bacon, if you wish.

Mom served her