The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

 

Ingredients:

• 16 oz elbow macaroni (or other tubular pasta), cooked
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups panko crumbs
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a large 3-quart or 4-quart baking dish and set aside.

2. Prepare Cheeses: Combine the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses in a large bowl and set aside.

3. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta one minute shy of al dente according to the package instructions. Remove from heat, drain, and place in a large bowl. Drizzle the pasta with olive oil and stir to coat. Set aside to cool while preparing the cheese sauce.

4. Make Roux: In a deep saucepan, Dutch oven, or stockpot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and continue whisking for about 1 minute until it becomes bubbly and golden.

5. Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Continue whisking until you see bubbles on the surface. Continue cooking and whisking for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Add Cheese to Sauce: Add 2 cups of the shredded cheese mixture to the sauce and whisk until smooth. Add another 2 cups of the shredded cheese and continue whisking until the sauce is creamy and thick.

7. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Stir the cooled pasta into the cheese sauce until fully combined and the pasta is well-coated.

8. Layer Mac and Cheese: Pour half of the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese, then add the rest of the mac and cheese on top.

9. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.

10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes.

11. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Feel free to share this with your husband and colleagues—they're sure to love it!