Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large pot on the stove, bring water to a boil and salt it generously. Add pasta and cook for approximately 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, drain the pasta.
1 pound cavatappi noodles
While the pasta is still warm, toss it with 4 Tablespoons butter in a large bowl, and set aside.
8 Tablespoons unsalted butter
In a large skillet, combine milk, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, onion, and dry mustard. Cook over medium-low heat until the milk starts to steam, about 10 minutes.
4 cups whole milk, 1 clove garlic, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1 small onion, 1 teaspoon mustard powder
At this point, remove the pan from the heat. Let it sit for about 15 minutes while you complete the following steps, so the flavors infuse in the milk.
Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy on each side to your liking. Remove from the skillet and let the bacon drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
1 pound thick-cut bacon
Saute the jalapeño and bell pepper in the same skillet until soft. Once soft, remove to a small bowl and wipe the skillet clean.
1 medium jalapeño pepper, 1 medium red bell pepper
Strain the milk, and discard the solid infusers.
Add the remaining butter to your clean skillet, and melt fully. Once melted, add flour and whisk over medium heat for 4-5 minutes to create a roux. Do not let it brown.
8 Tablespoons unsalted butter, 6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
Very slowly whisk the infused milk into the roux. Make sure to do this slowly to avoid any clumps. Continue to cook while whisking constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Remove the skillet from heat and season with kosher salt and white pepper.
kosher salt, white pepper
Add the cream cheese, cheddar, and gouda cheese to the mixture. Stir until all the cheese melts and reaches the consistency of a cheese sauce.
3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, 8 oz block of cream cheese, 3 cups grated aged gouda cheese
Add the cooked pasta, peppers, and half of the bacon. Stir until thoroughly combined.
You can bake this in the skillet (as long as it is oven-safe), or transfer your Southern style mac and cheese to an oven-proof casserole dish. This is up to your preference!
In a medium bowl, combine Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the dish. Top with remaining bacon.
½ cup parmesan cheese, ¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!