Baked Mac & Cheese with Hempler’s Bacon - Hempler's Foods

Ingredients

• 1 package Hempler’s Original Center Cut Bacon, chopped
• 1 pound elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
• 8 tablespoons butter (divided)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 6 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley (optional, for garnish)