Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Yield: 12 Servings
Try this recipe and I promise you that it will be the best decision you will ever make today! Mac and Cheese today? Yes, please! Feel free to add more ingredients if you wish. Have a great day, friends. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
16 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked (or other tubular pasta)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 c all-purpose flour
3 c whole milk
1 c heavy whipping cream
4 c sharp cheddar cheese shredded
2 c Gruyere cheese shredded
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 c panko crumbs
4 tablespoons butter melted
1/2 c Parmesan cheese shredded
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
Directions:
Prepare the oven and preheat to 175 degrees C or 350 degrees F.
Apply cooking spray in a large 3-quart baking dish.
Add the shredded cheese into a large mixing bowl. Stir until well combined.
Refer to the directions provided on the package of the pasta on how to cook it. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Put it into a mixing bowl.
Drizzle olive oil over the pasta and toss until well coated.
Place a deep saucepan on the stove and turn the heat to medium. Add butter and allow it to become hot.
Add flour, then whisk and cook for a minute until it becomes golden brown.
Add the heavy cream and milk, then whisk until well blended. Whisk and cook for about 2 minutes.
Sprinkle salt and pepper, then whisk until well mixed.
Add 2 cups of shredded cheese and whisk until well blended.
Add the rest of the shredded cheese and whisk again until the texture becomes smooth and thick.
Add the cooled pasta and toss until well coated.
Transfer 1/2 of the mac and cheese into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
Spread the rest of the shredded cheese over the mac and cheese.
Top the cheese with the rest of the mac and cheese.
In a mixing bowl, add Parmesan cheese, melted butter, paprika, and panko crumbs. Stir until well mixed.
Sprinkle the mixture on top of the mac and cheese.
Place it inside the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until done.
Serve hot and enjoy!