MACARONI AND CHEESE FOR GROWN-UPS

Macaroni and Cheese for Grown-Ups image

Provided by Lauren4372

Time 35m

Yield 4-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 cups water
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/8 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 lb ditalini or 1 lb shell macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk or 2 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
4 -6 ounces freshly grated cheese, your choice but I like smoked Gouda, Swiss, Chedder and Munster
2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs, flakes
1 teaspoon fresh parsley

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Put the water, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and oil in a large heavy saucepan over high heat to boil. Add the pasta and cook stiring occasionally until tender, about 8 minutes.
In a small heavy saucepan melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly.
Add the remaining salt and pepper and continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thick enough to coat the whisk; about 8 minutes.
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cheese(s). Continue stiring until smooth and melted.
In the microwave melt the remaining butter and mix with Panko. Add the parsley. Set aside.
Lightly butter a 1.5 quart casserole or 4- 15 oz. rammikins.
Combine chesse sauce and macaroni in casserole mixing well.
Top with Panko and bake in 375 degree oven for 20 minutes or until brown on top.
Remove and enjoy.