Homemade Mac and Cheese

Instructions

1. 01

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.

2. 02

   Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to the prepared baking dish.

3. 03

   Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium skillet over low heat. Whisk in flour until the mixture becomes paste-like and light golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.

4. 04

   Gradually whisk in 2 ½ cups milk; bring to a simmer.

5. 05

   Stir in Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses; season with salt and black pepper. Cook and stir over low heat until cheeses are melted and sauce has thickened, 3 to 5 minutes, adding up to the remaining 1/2 cup milk if needed.

6. 06

   Pour cheese sauce over macaroni; stir until well combined.

7. 07

   Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add bread crumbs; cook and stir until well coated and browned.

8. 08

   Spread bread crumbs over macaroni and cheese; sprinkle with paprika.

9. 09

   Bake in the preheated oven until topping is golden brown and macaroni and cheese is gooey and bubbling, about 30 minutes.