Ingredients

• 16 ounces penne (or any other tubular pasta shape)
• 1/4 lb bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups Fontina cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 3/4 cup gruyere cheese, grated
• 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated
• 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Butter a 9 x 13 inch glass baking dish.

2. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.

3. In a large Dutch oven, saute bacon pieces until crisp. Remove and set aside. Saute onion in the bacon drippings until they wilt. Add the butter to pot and whisk in the flour, stirring constantly. Next whisk in the mustard. Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking constantly.

4. Season with thyme, bay leaf, and salt. Cook over low heat (simmer) for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently.

5. Strain out solids (thyme and bay leaf). Immediately add 1 cup of the Fontina, the bleu cheese, 1/2 cup of the Gruyere, 1/2 cup of the cheddar, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan, the reserved bacon, and parsley. Stir until cheese is melted. Add the drained pasta and stir to coat.

6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Combine the remaining cheeses with the bread crumbs and sprinkle over top.

7. Bake 15 to 20 minutes until bubbling and lightly browned. Let rest a few moments before serving.