Name: Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 16 oz Elbow Macaroni; 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; 2 cups Gruyere Cheese; Salt and Pepper; 1 1/2 cups Panko Crumbs; 4 tbsp Butter; 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese; 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika

Preheat oven to 350°F (ca. 177 °C). Lightly grease a large 3 qt or 4 qt baking dish and set aside. Combine shredded cheeses in a large bowl and set aside.

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 it. Set aside to cool while preparing cheese sauce.

Melt butter in a deep saucepan, Dutch oven, or stock pot.

Whisk in flour over medium heat and continue whisking for about 1 minute until bubbly and golden.

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until lovely and smooth. Continue whisking until you see bubbles on the surface and then continue cooking and whisking for another 2 minutes. Whisk in salt and pepper.

Add two cups of shredded cheese and whisk until smooth. Add another two cups of shredded cheese and continue whisking until creamy and smooth. Sauce should be nice and thick.

Stir in the cooled pasta until combined, and the pasta is fully coated with the cheese sauce.

Pour half of the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 2 cups (0.47 l) of shredded cheese and then the remaining mac and cheese.

In a small bowl, combine panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle over the top and bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

Mac and Cheese Recipe