The BEST homemade macaroni and cheese of your life.
I used gf elbow pasta and loved it. Family would’ve preferred a bit more creamy. Think I could’ve used more milk and also only used one egg. I will definitely keep using it as base review and see if I can get it creamier.
Absolutely a hit! Super yummy! I omitted the toasted breadcrumbs and instead crumbled cheese nips on the top after finishing baking! A++I highly recommend trying this delicious Mac & Cheese!!
Macaroni and cheese is one of those recipes that can take so many different forms. I love it anyway, but baked macaroni and cheese is my favorite and I’ll tell you why… The filling. I use breadcrumbs every now and then for my topping, but a panko macaroni and cheese is much better.
I mix parmesan, butter and paprika with the Panko to make it crispy and take on a nice golden brown color when this incredible homemade macaroni and cheese is cooked.
Ingredients
16 oz. elbow macaroni, cooked (or other tubular pasta)
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
6 tablespoons of unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups of whole milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 cups of grated strong cheddar cheese
2 cups of grated Gruyere cheese
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
4 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350F. Lightly grease a large 3- or 4-quart baking dish and set aside. Mix the grated cheeses in a large bowl and set aside.
Mix the grated cheeses in a large bowl and set aside. Remove from heat, drain and put them in a large bowl.
Drizzle the pasta with olive oil and toss to coat the pasta. Set aside to cool while preparing the cheese sauce.
Melt the butter in a deep saucepan, Dutch oven or stock pot.
Whisk in flour over medium heat and continue to whisk for about 1 minute until mixture bubbles and turns golden brown.
Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Continue whisking until bubbles appear on the surface, then continue whisking for another 2 minutes. Whisk in salt and pepper.
Add two cups of grated cheese and whisk until smooth. Add two more cups of grated cheese and continue whisking until the mixture is creamy and smooth. The sauce should be good and thick.
Add the cooled pasta, stirring until well blended and the pasta is completely covered with the cheese sauce.
Pour half of the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Cover with the remaining 2 cups of grated cheese, then cover with the remaining macaroni and cheese.
In a small bowl, mix the panko crumbs, parmesan, melted butter and paprika. Sprinkle on top and bake until mixture is bubbling and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.