Creamy Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
Classic comfort foods are nice, but this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese will take your comfort food level expectations to the top!
Ingredients
- 16 oz. elbow macaroni
- 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 5 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese,
- 1/4 tsp. paprika
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions to al dente. Drain and toss with extra virgin olive oil. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat oven to 350F and spray a 3-4 quart baking dish with cooking spray.
- Melt butter in a large sauce pan over medium-high heat until golden and bubbly.
- Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Continue whisking for 2 minutes.
- Add 2 cups of shredded cheese and whisk until smooth. Add 2 more cups shredded cheese, salt, and pepper and continue whisking until all ingredients are combined and cheese sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Stir in cooled pasta until fully coated with cheese sauce.
- Pour half of the mac and cheese into prepared baking dish, top with remaining 2 cups shredded cheese, and then add the rest of the mac and cheese.
- In a medium size mixing bowl combine panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, melted butter, and paprika.
- Sprinkle bread crumb mixture evenly over mac and cheese.
- Place in a preheated oven for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
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