Mac and Cheese

 Hi everyone and welcome back! I hope that everyone had a great week! As we are now approaching winter, I thought that we could make a classic, Mac and cheese! This Mac and Cheese recipe is rich and creamy and perfect to enjoy during the colder months! 

What you will need:

1.     16oz of elbow macaroni cooked

2.     1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

3.     6 tbsp of unsalted butter

4.     1/3 cup all purpose flour 

5.     3 cups milk 

6.     1 cup of heavy whipping cream

7.     4 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded (wouldn’t recommend using pre shredded cheese)

8.     2 cups Gruyere cheese shredded (wouldn’t recommend using pre shredded cheese)

9.     1 ½ cups of panko crumbs 

10.  4 tbsp butter melted 

11.  ½ cup Parmesan cheese shredded (wouldn’t recommend using pre shredded cheese)

12.  ¼ tsp smoked or regular paprika 

13.  Salt and pepper to how you like it

How to make: 

1.     Preheat your oven to 350F, and then lightly grease a large baking dish around 3 to 4 qt and once done set aside.

2.     Next you are going to want to shred all your cheese and combine in a large bowl and set aside. 

3.     After you have done that, we are going to cook the pasta according to the box and cook the pasta 1 minute shy of al dente. Remove from heat and drain. Then take your olive oil and drizzle it over the pasta and stir to coat all the pasta and then set aside. 

4.     In a deep saucepan melt your 6 tbsp of butter and then whisk in flour over medium heat. For about one minute continue to whisk until bubbly and golden. “Mixing flour with melted butter in a frying pan on a light gray table. Making cheese pasta sauce, step by step, do it yourself, step 3 Stock Photo.” Alamy, https://www.alamy.com/mixing-flour-with-melted-butter-in-a-frying-pan-on-a-light-gray-table-making-cheese-pasta-sauce-step-by-step-do-it-yourself-step-3-image563940357.html.

5.     Then gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk. Once you have done that continue to whisk until you see bubbles on the surface. Once you see these bubbles continue to cook and whish for another 2 minutes. This is where you would add in your salt and pepper to taste.

6.     Then added around 2 cups of your shredded cheese mixture and whisk until combine. Then added in 2 more cups of shredded cheese and whish until it is combined and smooth. You want to save the last 2 cups of cheese you have left. 

7.     The sauce should be smooth and thick. Then take your cooked cooled pasta and combine it with the cheese sauce and mix it until it is fully coated. “Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese (Contest-Winning!).” The Chunky Chef, https://www.thechunkychef.com/family-favorite-baked-mac-and-cheese/.

8.     Pour half of your Mac and cheese into your dish you prepared earlier. Added your remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese on top. Then added the remaining Mac and cheese on top. 

9.     Then in a small bowl combine your panko, parmesan, 4 tbsp of melted butter and paprika. Take this mixture and sprinkle it on top of your /mac and Cheese and bake for around 30 minutes or until its golden brown. 

Hardin, Becky. “Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe.” The Cookie Rookie, https://www.thecookierookie.com/mac-and-cheese-casserole/.