Baked Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 3 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1 tsp mustard powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt
• 3 cups sharp cheddar, grated
• 1 cup Gruyère or mozzarella, grated
• Topping: 3/4 cup panko with 2 tbsp melted butter

Steps

1. Heat the oven to 375°F. Cook the pasta 2 minutes less than the package says, then drain.
2. Melt the butter in a large pot. Whisk in the flour for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in the milk. Simmer until thick, about 5 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat. Stir in the seasonings and cheeses until smooth, then fold in the pasta.
4. Pour into a buttered 9x13 dish and top with the buttery panko.
5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Rest 5 minutes.

TipThe sauce should look loose before baking. It thickens in the oven.