Baked Macaroni and Cheese

By á-42947

Ingredients

• PANKO TOPPING:
• 4 TBSP unsalted butter
• 4 TBSP all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 4 1/2 cups 2% or whole milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 5 cups coarsely grated flavorful cheese: sharp cheddar or gruyere, or a mix
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 4 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 1/2 tsp. kosher or coarse salt
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 packages (spiral or noodles of choice) pasta
• 3 TBSP unsalted butter
• 3 cups panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Details

Adapted from costco.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter a shallow 4 quart baking dish.
2. Prepare the panko topping: melt butter over low heat. Add panko and parmesan; stir until well combined. Set aside.
3. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, until flour is blond in color, about 4 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk. Increase heat to medium high and let come to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer until it starts to thicken, about 5 minutes. Add cream, grated cheese, parmesan, mustard, and salt and pepper, stirring until smooth. Taste for seasoning.
5. Cook pasta until barely al dente (follow package directions but stop a minute or two before completely tender). Set aside 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta.
6. Whisk the reserved pasta cooking water into the cheese sauce. Add the pasta and stir to combine. Spoon into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the panko topping. Bake until golden and bubbling, 30-40 minutes. Let sit for a few minutes before serving.