Homemade Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
• 0.25 cups salted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2.5 cups milk , or more as needed
• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cups finely grated Parmesan cheese
• salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.

2. 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. 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. 4

   Gradually whisk 2 ½ cups milk into the flour mixture, and bring to a simmer.

5. 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. 6

   Pour cheese sauce over macaroni and stir until well combined.

7. 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. 8

   Spread bread crumbs over macaroni and cheese, then sprinkle with paprika.

9. 9

   Bake in the preheated oven until topping is golden brown and macaroni and cheese is bubbling, about 30 minutes.