Mom’s Mac and Cheese with Bacon

When I was growing up, my mother made scrumptious macaroni and cheese with creamy sauce, sautéed onions, paprika, and loads of Tillamook or sharp Cheddar cheese. My siblings and I loved it, especially the crunchy-cheesy topping. Mom baked the casserole in the cast-iron Dutch oven she received as a wedding present. I prefer to use a 10-inch skillet.

When I added bacon to the filling and Parmesan cheese and panko bread crumbs to the topping, my kids and friends attacked that mac with