Baked Mac and Cheese is one of my favorite foods. We've got TWO different flavors in this amazing Macaroni and Cheese Casserole, making it the best Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese recipe. Make Onion and Bacon Mac and Cheese, and Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese in one dish. There's something for everyone!
In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, we will make our two sauces in two separate small saucepans. In each saucepan, melt 1 ½ tablespoons butter. Whisk in 1 ½ tablespoons flour and ½ tablespoon mustard powder, whisking constantly for 2-3 minutes. Stir in 1 ½ cups milk and ¼ teaspoon paprika. Reduce both to a simmer for 6-8 minutes.
Add half the egg to each sauce mixture, whisking to combine. In one pot, stir in the ingredients (except for the sliced cheese) for the Bacon and Onion Mac and Cheese (onion, bacon, and shredded cheddar) and in the other saucepan stir in the ingredients (except for the sliced cheese) for the Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese (grated parm, shredded mozzarella, and garlic powder). Stir to combine and season both with salt and pepper to taste,
Add half the macaroni to each mixture and stir to coat.
Pour half of the bacon onion macaroni mixture into its half of the casserole dish and top with two slices of cheddar cheese. Top with the remaining half of the macaroni mixture and then top with two more slices of cheddar. Repeat with the Garlic Parmesan Macaroni mixture, using sliced mozzarella this time.
In a separate small saute pan, melt the butter for the topping and toss in the bread crumbs to coat. Remove from the heat and stir in the French Fried Onions. Top both sides of macaroni mixture with the topping.
Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for five minutes before serving.