Baked Penne with Cheese and Bacon

Ingredients

• 500 g penne pasta
• 100 g kefalotyri cheese, grated
• 100 g gruyere cheese, grated
• 100 g feta cheese, crumbled
• 8 slices of bacon, chopped
• 120 g butter
• 120 g flour
• 1.5 liters warm milk
• 2 egg yolks
• Grated nutmeg
• 60 g heavy cream

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Instructions

For the Penne

1. Bring a pot of water with salt to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the penne and cook for 15 minutes until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

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For the Cream Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Gradually add the flour while stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and slowly whisk in the warm milk and heavy cream.
4. Return the saucepan to medium heat and add a pinch of grated nutmeg. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Remove from heat, quickly add the egg yolks, and mix vigorously to combine.

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Final Assembly

1. Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Add the cooked penne, bacon, cheeses, and 5 tablespoons of the cream sauce to the dish. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
3. Pour the remaining cream sauce over the top.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 180–200°C (350–400°F) for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden brown.

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A Comforting Delight

This baked penne dish is the epitome of comfort food with its creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and perfectly golden crust. It’s ideal for a hearty family dinner or a meal to impress guests. Savor the gooey goodness in every bite!