Baked Mac and Cheese

Step 1

Add pasta to a pot of boiling salted water. Cook according to instructions and drain when al dente. The pasta should be ready just before your sauce.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat the milk and cream in a pot making sure not to allow it to come to a boil.

Step 3

Melt 7 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large pot. Add the flour and whisk while it cooks on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4

Add the hot milk and cream in while whisking and cook until thickened, 2-3 minutes.

Step 5

Remove from heat and mix in the cheeses, salt, nutmeg, paprika, and pepper.

Step 6

Melt one or two tablespoons of butter in a pan and mix with the breadcrumbs. Cook over medium heat while stirring until the breadcrumbs are a light golden color. Season with salt and pepper to taste then mix in about three tablespoons of shredded parmesan.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta and mix well. Transfer to a baking dish or ramekins and top with the some more cheddar and parmesan and the toasted breadcrumb mixture.

Step 8

Bake at 375 for about 35 minutes.