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1
Heat the oven to 400 degrees F and arrange a rack in the middle.
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2
Arrange the bacon on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until browned and crispy, about 20 to 25 minutes.
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3
Remove to a large paper-towel-lined plate.
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4
When cool enough to handle, crumble into small pieces.
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5
Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter and place in a medium bowl.
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6
Add the panko and almonds and stir until evenly combined; set aside.
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7
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
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8
Add the onion, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes.
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9
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat.
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10
Add the flour and paprika to the onions and whisk constantly until the flour is no longer raw-tasting, about 3 minutes.
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11
Add the measured salt and pepper and stir to combine.
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12
While whisking constantly, slowly add the milk to the flour mixture until evenly combined and smooth.
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13
(It will get very thick when you first add the milk, then thin out.)
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14
Increase the heat to medium high and, while whisking constantly, cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3 to 5 minutes.
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15
Remove from the heat and set aside.
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16
When the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package directions or until just al dente.
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17
Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water, making sure to stir the pasta while rinsing, until cooled and the pieces are no longer sticking to each other; set aside in the colander.
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18
Place the sauce over medium heat and stir in both cheeses just until melted and smooth.
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19
Add the pasta and reserved bacon and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is heated through and steaming, about 2 to 4 minutes.
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20
Transfer to a 13-by-9-inch baking dish and spread into an even layer.
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21
Sprinkle evenly with the reserved panko mixture and bake until bubbling and brown on top, about 25 to 30 minutes.
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22
Remove to a wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
