Creamy Macaroni & Cheese

Ingredients:

• For the Pasta:

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta

  • Salt, for pasta water

• For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 3 cups whole milk (room temperature)

  • 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)

  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

  • 3 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

  • 1 1/2 cup shredded Smoked Gouda cheese

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg (preferably freshly grated nutmeg)

• For the Topping: (optional)

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

   • Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

   • Combine all of the cheese in a large bowl. Mix well.

   • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

   • Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture turns golden and forms a smooth roux.

   • Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir to avoid lumps.

   • Cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

   • Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in 1 1/2 cups of the mixed cheeses. Whisk the sauce and allow the cheese to melt completely.

   • Add another 1 1/2 cups of the cheese mixture to the sauce. Whisk and allow cheese to melt.

   • Stir in the salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

   • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F.

   • Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.

4. Prepare the Topping (Optional):

   • In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and paprika (if using).

   • Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac & cheese.

5. Bake (Optional):

   • Pour half of the sauce and macaroni mixture into a buttered baking dish.

   • Top the macaroni with half of the remaining cheese mixture.

   • Pour the remaining macaroni mixture into the dish.

   • Spread the remaining cheese on top of the macaroni.

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

6. Serve:

   • Serve the creamy mac & cheese hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese or chopped parsley if desired.