Favorite Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Recipe

by Olivia Cappolella

Are you looking for a great homemade macaroni and cheese? I have a great recipe for you. If you're interested in crunchy and gooey mac and cheese, this is the one for you. 

This recipe serves about six to eight people, but if you love macaroni and cheese as much as I do, you may end up fighting to get a bowl full. I am practically a macaroni and cheese connoisseur, so I've had a lot of it in my life time, so for me to say my recipe is one of my favorites, it proves a great deal. As a broke nineteen year old girl, like every other college student, this is only something my roommates and I pull out for special occasions, but it's always the biggest hit. Using store brand products makes the recipe much more affordable and it is still just as great, so if you're ever craving that comfort food that we all love, I highly suggest this. 

Ingredients:

16 oz elbow pasta                                                    salt and pepper

6 tbsp salted butter                                                2 cups seasoned bread crumbs

1/3 cup all purpose flour                                       1 cup grated parmesan cheese

2 1/2 cups whole milk                                            2 tbsp smoke paprika

1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream                         2 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes

8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese                  1/4 tsp garlic salt

8 oz shredded Mexican blend cheese                 1 tbsp chives (optional) 

8 oz shredded colby jack cheese 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400F and lightly grease a baking dish. 

2. Boil the pasta, drain it and pour it into the greased baking dish.

3. Create a rue in the sauce pan (or small pot) by melting butter and slowly whisking in flour.

4. Gradually whisk in the milk, and then the heavy whipping cream until it starts to slightly boil.

5. Add in preferred amount of salt and pepper.

6. Whisk in first bag of cheese until smooth and then do the same with the other two until smooth. 

7. Add in another pinch salt and pepper (optional)

8. Pour cheese on top of the cooled and cooked macaroni, and mix it around until fully covered.

9. In a bowl, mix bread crumbs, parmesan, garlic salt, paprika, pepper and red pepper flakes to create topping.

10. Fully cover the top of the macaroni with the bread crumb mixture. 

11. Put the dish in the over for 30-35 minutes or until golden/brown topping. 

12. Garnish with chives (optional).

13. Let cool for about three to five minutes and serve.