Baked Macaroni and Cheese

My all time favorite comfort food.  Give me a plate full of Mac and Cheese - I'm happy.  Throughout the years I have tried various recipes, used different cheeses, and even invented my own recipes.  The main requirement for me in order for mac and cheese to be perfect is a nice creamy, flavorful,  cheese sauce that coats the pasta.  I like a sauce that is rich and creamy not too thin or too thick.

In this recipe, from Alton Brown,  one of my favorites, his recipe fits the bill.  The sauce is creamy, tasty, and perfectly coats the pasta.  It also has a nice cheese flavor that isn't too sharp.  The paprika adds a nice spice to the sauce.    An added plus, is the Panko Breadcrumb topping.  I love the crunchy texture of these crumbs.

This dinner came together in about 60 minutes, which includes preparation and baking time.  A great dinner for those nights when you need something quick and delicious:)

Baked Macaroni and Cheese
From Alton Brown


Ingredients:

1/2 pound elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon powdered mustard
3 cups milk
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 large egg
12 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh black pepper
Topping:
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup panko bread crumbs

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente.

While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes. Make sure it's free of lumps. Stir in the milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf.

Temper in the egg. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.

Melt the butter in a saute pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for five minutes before serving.


Serves 6-8

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