Homemade mac and cheese made with tender macaroni pasta in a decadent creamy cheese sauce topped with bread crumbs and baked until bubbling and delicious.
Instructions
1
Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2
To make the macaroni and cheese: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and simmer, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
3
While the macaroni is cooking, melt 1/4 cup butter in a medium skillet over low heat. Whisk in flour and stir until the mixture becomes paste-like and light golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
4
Gradually whisk 2 ½ cups milk into the flour mixture, and bring to a simmer.
5
Stir in shredded Cheddar and finely grated Parmesan cheeses; season with salt and pepper. Cook and stir over low heat until cheese is melted and sauce has thickened, 3 to 5 minutes, adding up to 1/2 cup more milk if needed.
6
Pour cheese sauce over macaroni and stir until well combined.
7
Make the bread crumb topping: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add bread crumbs; cook and stir until well coated and browned.
8
Spread bread crumbs over macaroni and cheese, then sprinkle with paprika.
9
Bake in the preheated oven until topping is golden brown and macaroni and cheese is bubbling, about 30 minutes.
