The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

By Trish - Mom On Timeout · momontimeout.com

Yield: 12

1 hr

Creamy baked pasta with sharp cheddar and Gruyère, topped with a buttered panko crust.

prepPreheat oven to 350°F / 175°C
prepGrease a large 3 qt or 4 qt baking dish
450 g elbow macaroni, cooked	Cook pasta 1 min shy of al dente, drain & cool	Drizzle pasta with oil, stir to coat			Stir in cooled pasta until fully coated	Pour half into dish, top with remaining cheese, then pasta	Bake 350°F / 175°C, 30 min until bubbly & golden
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
85 g unsalted butter	Melt butter over medium heat	Whisk in flour, cook 1 min until bubbly & golden	Whisk in milk & cream until smooth, cook 2 min	Whisk in salt & pepper, then both cheeses until creamy
40 g all purpose flour
720 ml whole milk
240 ml heavy whipping cream
450 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
225 g Gruyère cheese, shredded
salt and pepper to taste
85 g panko crumbs	Toss panko, Parmesan, melted butter & paprika, sprinkle on top
55 g butter, melted
50 g Parmesan cheese, shredded
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

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