Perfect Mac & Cheese by Kimberly McCollister

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Yields: 6-8 Servings

Description

The perfect mac and cheese recipe. Your kids will love it!

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound penne, ziti or 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

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Boil water in a large pot, add salt and cook pasta until al dente.
3. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a seperate pot. Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes or until it is free of lumps. Stir in the milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf.
4. Temper in the egg, stir in 3/4 of the cheese and season with salt and pepper. Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
5. Melt the butter in a saute pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs.
6. Bake for 30 minutes and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.