Kids Favorite – Baked Mac & Cheese

Step 1

Cook the pasta as per instructions on the box. Remove from heat, drain, and put in a large bowl.

Step 2

Add 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and mix well. Keep it aside to cool.

Step 3

Preheat oven to 350ºF.

Step 4

Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a pot. Whisk in 1/3 cup of flour on medium heat for 1 minute.

Step 5

Add 3 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, and whisk until nice and smooth.

Step 6

Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper powder, and whisk for 2 minutes.

Step 7

Add 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup gruyere cheese, and whisk until creamy and smooth. The sauce should be nice and thick.

Step 8

Stir in the cooled pasta and mix well until pasta is fully coated with the cheese sauce.

Step 9

Mix remaining 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup gruyere cheese and mix well. Keep it aside.

Step 10

Pour half of the mac and cheese into the baking dish. Top with 1/2 cheese and the remaining mac and cheese. Top with remaining cheese.

Step 11

In a bowl, add 1 cup panko crumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and mix well.

Step 12

Add the bread crumbs mixture on top of the cheese and put it into the oven for 30 minutes or until the crumbs become golden brown.

Step 13

Serve yummy Mac & Cheese hot.