The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

[ { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a large 3 qt or 4 qt baking dish and set aside.Combine shredded cheeses in a large bowl and set aside." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Cook the pasta one minute shy of al dente according to the package instructions. Remove from heat, drain, and place in a large bowl." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Drizzle pasta with olive oil and stir to coat pasta. Set aside to cool while preparing cheese sauce." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Melt butter in a deep saucepan, dutch oven, or stock pot." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Whisk in flour and continue whisking for about 1 minute until bubbly and golden." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until nice and smooth. Continue whisking until you see bubbles on the surface and then continue cooking and whisking for another 2 minutes. Whisk in salt and pepper." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Add two cups of shredded cheese and whisk until smooth. Add another two cups of shredded cheese and continue whisking until creamy and smooth. Sauce should be nice and thick." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Stir in the cooled pasta until combined and pasta is fully coated with the cheese sauce." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "Pour half of the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese and then the remaining mac and cheese." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "text": "In a small bowl, combine panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter and paprika. Sprinkle over the top and bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately." } ]