Mac n' Cheese Please

Hosting an afternoon playdate brings out the chef in me since I love to try out new recipes on my kids and their friends.  My most recent playdate included Weelicious's Classic Mac n' Cheese after I sampled it at my friend's Olivia's house.  It is as classic and as it is scrumptious and I can't wait to make it again and again.   Go for it, your kids will thank you (and your husband/partner will too).

Recipe after the jump:

Ingredients

• Topping:
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 
  Mac and cheese:
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 4 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 pound elbow macaroni (you can also use campanelle, cavatappi, or shells)

Preparation

1. 1. Place the topping ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.
2. 2. Preheat oven to 400° F.
3. 3. Cook pasta in salted water* for about 3 minutes less than package directions call for, until al dente, reserving half a cup of the pasta water.
4. 4. In a large pot melt the butter and then add the flour, whisking continuously over low-medium heat for 2-3 minutes to make a roux.
5. 5. Slowly whisk in the milk and bring to a boil.
6. 6. Reduce heat and simmer, whisking occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until sauce is gently bubbling and starting to thicken.
7. 7. Add reserved pasta water and cheddar cheese and whisk until melted.
8. 8. Stir in the pasta.
9. 9. Transfer to a greased 13″ x 9″ baking dish.**
10. 10. Sprinkle topping on macaroni and cheese.
11. 11. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until top is golden and bubbling.
12. 12. Serve.
13. * Use about 2 Tbsp of kosher salt for 4 quarts of water.
14. ** If making ahead, mixture can be cooled after this step to room temperature, covered and then refrigerated for up to a day.
15. PC and recipe: Weelicious