Homemade Mac and Cheese

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min 4 servings

Originally from allrecipes.com

Instructions

1Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2To 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.
3While 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.
4Gradually whisk 2 ½ cups milk into the flour mixture, and bring to a simmer.
5Stir 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.
6Pour cheese sauce over macaroni and stir until well combined.
7Make 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.
8Spread bread crumbs over macaroni and cheese, then sprinkle with paprika.
9Bake in the preheated oven until topping is golden brown and macaroni and cheese is bubbling, about 30 minutes.