Unreal Mac & Cheese

I came across this recipe on IG back in November and have made it probably 6 times since then. I don't know what that says about me but it should tell you that it's delicious and so easy!  Somehow, despite making it that many times I have no good pictures of the finished product mainly because it gets gobbled up so quickly.

Here's What You'll Need...
4 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
1 cup manchego, shredded
1 cup Gouda, shredded
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup flour
2 cups half and half
1 cup milk
1 lb pasta
salt
pepper
garlic powder
paprika
Panko bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter

Step 1 - grate all your cheeses and then combine then in a large bowl.  If you don't have a rotary grater this one is a MUST!  It makes grating cheese so fast and easy.

Step 2 - Cook your pasta until al dente.  Elbow macaroni is classic BUT I've used whatever pasta I have on hand and they've all been delicious.

Step 3 - Add the 1 stick of butter to a large sauce pot or pan, let it melt and then stir in the flour letting that mixture cook for a minute or so.  Add in the half and half and the milk and cook it's fairly hot, stirring the whole time.  Stir in about 3 cups of the cheese and once it's all melty and combined throw in a few pinches of paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.  Pretty much just season it to your taste.  Add in the cooked and drained pasta.

Step 4 - Put half of the macaroni into a baking dish and top with a handful of cheeses.  Repeat and top with additional cheese and then the breadcrumbs mixed with 2 TBSP of melted butter. 

Step 5 - Cover with foil and bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.

Note: I made this ahead of time for Thanksgiving (the night before) and I just baked it for about 45 minutes since it was cold and it was GREAT!

This is cheesy and delicious and SO GOOD!  If you make it I'd love to hear what you think!