Macaroni and Cheese Casserole (Au Gratin)
Ingredients
- 16 oz macaroni
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 tbsp butter
- 1/3 cup flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 6 cups shredded cheese (cheddar is best - can include mozzarella or other for total 6 cups)
- 1 1/2 cups Panko crumbs
- 4 tbsp oil or melted butter
- 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- (salt and pepper to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F
- Shred cheese
- Cook macaroni just a bit less than al dente
- Drain, drizzle with olive oil an set aside while preparing cheese sauce
- Melt butter in a deep pot
- Whisk in flour over medium heat and continue whisking until bubbly and golden
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth.
- Whisk in salt and pepper to taste
- Add the shredded cheese and stir until sauce is smooth
- Stir-in the pasta until combined
- Pour mixture into the casserole dish
- In a medium size bowl, combine Panko, parmesan cheese, melted butter or oil and paprika - stir with a fork until the consistency is like rough sand.
- Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and bake for about 30 minutes.
- Before removing from oven, broil for a minute or two to achieve golden-brown top
- Delicious!
