Baked Mac and Cheese

I’m not going to lie. Most of the time, when I make macaroni and cheese it’s from the box. That is the kind my kids like, and I am too busy to argue with them. Also, who doesn’t love a good boxed mac and cheese?

When I was pregnant with my older son, I could eat an entire box in one sitting and still want more. It is actually gross if you think about it.

Surprisingly my son requested I make this homemade style baked mac and cheese after being in the room while I was on my Peloton. The Peloton is an exercise bike with classes that play live or on demand. The instructor was going on and on about mac and cheese throughout the whole class and my son was like I want mac and cheese like Cody eats it. Didn’t have to ask me twice, the next day I was on the mac and cheese task.

It’s all about the breadcrumb topping! Ooey gooey cheesy filling with my crispy, smokey, breaded crust- this baked mac and cheese is worth gossiping about!

Baked Mac and Cheese

Yield: 6-8 servings

INGREDIENTS:
16 oz pkg elbow noodles, boiled
5 tbsp butter
1/3 cup flour
3 cups milk
1 cup sour cream
6 cups shredded cheese, mix of cheddar, gruyere, mozzarella
(separated into 4 + 2 cups)
Salt/pepper, to taste
Topping:
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 cup panko crumbs
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dried basil
Fresh parsley, more paprika, for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a small bowl, mix together topping ingredients. Set aside.
2. In a sauce pan, melt the butter.
3. Using a whisk, mix in the flour until you form a roux.
4. Continuously whisking, add in the sour cream and then milk until you have a smooth mixture.
5. Add in 4 cups of the cheese and mix together until the cheese is melted and the cheese sauce is smooth.
6. Pour the cheese sauce into the boiled elbow pasta and mix well. Transfer into a large baking dish by pouring in half the noodle mixture, and then sprinkle it with another cup of the shredded cheese. Pour the rest of the noodle mixture on top and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
7. Top with topping and spray the top with cooking spray.
8. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 30 minutes until top is golden and cheese is bubbling. Garnish with parsley and more smoked paprika. Enjoy!