Recipe

1. Macaroni: This homemade mac and cheese starts with a box of uncooked macaroni noodles.
2. Butter and flour: You’ll need butter and flour to make a roux for the cheese sauce. You’ll also need two tablespoons of butter for the topping.
3. Milk: Use whole milk for the richest flavor and texture.
4. Cheese: This baked mac and cheese recipe calls for Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
5. Seasonings: Salt and pepper goes into the sauce, while paprika is sprinkled over the topping.
6. Bread crumbs: Use store-bought dried bread crumbs or make your home at home.
8. Boil the noodles: Boil the macaroni in salted water until the noodles are al dente. Drain and transfer to a prepared baking dish.
9. Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter, then whisk in the flour. Whisk in the milk, bring to a simmer, and stir in the cheeses. Season with salt and pepper and continue simmering until the sauce is thick. Pour the sauce over the noodles and stir.
10. Make the topping: Melt two tablespoons of butter in a skillet, add the bread crumbs, and toast until the crumbs are brown. Spread the topping over the macaroni and cheese, then sprinkle with paprika.
11. Bake the mac and cheese: Bake in the preheated oven until the topping is golden brown.