Herbed Muenster Mac and Cheese with Bacon | culture: the word on cheese

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 4 to 5 leaves fresh sage (finely chopped)
• 1 pound short pasta (try elbows, penne, or shells)
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup minced shallots (about 2 small shallots)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1½ cups grated muenster cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 4 to 5 sprigs fresh thyme (leaves removed)