Baked Mac and Cheese with Bread Crumbs Recipe

Method

1. 1

   Spray a baking dish with cooking oil unless using a cast iron skillet for baking the mac and cheese. Set aside.

2. 2

   Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

3. 3

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

4. 4

   Cook pasta according to package until al dente. Drain and drizzle with a little bit of olive oil to keep from sticking and set aside.

5. 5

   While the pasta cooks melt butter in a large skillet or saucepan.

6. 6

   Whisk in flour slowly over medium-low heat and whisk the entire time until it starts to become bubbly.

7. 7

   Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth.Continue whisking until you see bubbles on the surface. Whisk in the paprika, ground mustard, black pepper and salt and whisk for 2 more minutes.

8. 8

   Add 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup mozzarella cheese and whisk until smooth. Add another 1 cup sharp cheddar and continue whisking until it thickens. Stir in the pasta and mix well until the cheese and pasta are combined.

9. 9

   Pour the mac and cheese into a baking dish or you can leave it in the large skillet. Top with the remaining 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup mozzarella cheese. You can leave the mac and cheese in the skillet or transfer to your baking dish if you prefer.

10. 10

    Top with the panko breadcrumbs. Bake at 325F for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Optional: garnish with parsley. Serve warm.