Homemade Baked Mac And Cheese

Ingredients

• 8oz cavatappi noodles
• 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp butter (for sauce)
• 2 tbsp + 2 tsp flour (2.6 tablespoons)
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar shredded
• 1 cup Jarlsburg Swiss shredded
• salt and pepper to taste
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2tbsp butter melted (for topping)
• 1/4 cup parmesan butter shredded
• 1/8 tsp smoked paprika

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit
• Cook the pasta to 1 minute shy of al dente
• Remove pasta from heat and drain the water
• Drizzle pasta with olive oil
• Melt butter in a deep saucepan, dutch oven, or stock pot
• Whisk in flour over medium heat and continue whisking for one minute
• Gradually whisk in milk and cream until nice and smooth. Continue whisking until you see bubbles on the surface and continue whisking for another 2 minutes.
• Add salt and pepper
• Slowly add 2/3rds of the sharp cheddar and jarlsburg swiss into the roux. Keep whisking until creamy and melted.
• Stir the cooled pasta into the cheese sauce until the pasta is fully coated.
• Pour half the pasta and sauce mixture into the baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/3rd of the sharp cheddar and jarlsburg swiss. Top with the remaining pasta.
• Combine panko crumbs, parmesan, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle over top of the noodles
• Bake in oven for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown