Baked Mac and Cheese

I have never made baked macaroni and cheese but, always wanted to. I figured on a Saturday night after a long day.. what better way to end it than with a delicious comfort food! I paired this with some sautéed kale/mushrooms with garlic (very simple!) and steamed broccoli with butter/salt. I had to get my greens in somewhere.. especially if I was going to eat a second helping of this delight.

Baked Mac N' Cheese

(Based off of this recipe)

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni

2 ups grated mild cheddar (or any type of cheese)

3 tbsp butter

2 tbsp all purpose flour

1 cup milk

1 cup half and half

1 medium onion (chopped)

1/4 tsp paprika

Dash of nutmeg

Dash of cayenne

Dash of red pepper flakes

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (I used 3/8 cup panko breadcrumbs and 1/8 cup garlic breadcrumbs)

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

Directions

1.  Preheat oven to 350º and grease a baking dish

2. Bring water to a boil and add macaroni. Cook macaroni for about 14 minutes (according to box)... until al dente then drain and move to bowl or back into pot. 

3. Melt 2 tbsp butter in large saucepan over medium-low heat then whisk in flour and cook while whisking for about three minutes.

4. Gradually mix in milk and half and half.

5. Stir in onion and add spices.

6. Simmer for 15 minutes

7. Add macaroni and stir to coat.

8. Pour half the mixture into the baking dish and sprinkle with half of the cheese.

9. Add the rest of the macaroni mixture and top with the rest of the cheese.

10. Melt 1 tbsp butter in a small skillet and add breadcrumbs.

11. Toss to coat and cook for about 30-60 seconds. 

12. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the macaroni in baking dish 

13. Bake until breadcrumbs are lightly browned (about 30-35 minutes). Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

14. Enjoy