Baked Mac and Cheese

Preparation

1. 1
   Step 1

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. 2
   Step 2

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

3. 3
   Step 3

   Add 8 oz of uncooked macaroni to the boiling water and cook for 8 minutes until al dente.

   Timer · 8 min
4. 4
   Step 4

   Drain the pasta and set it aside.

5. 5
   Step 5

   In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream over medium heat.

6. 6
   Step 6

   Whisk in 0.25 tsp Italian seasoning, 0.25 tsp garlic powder, 0.25 tsp smoked paprika, 0.125 tsp cayenne pepper, 0.25 tsp black pepper, and 0.25 tsp salt.

7. 7
   Step 7

   Stir in 0.75 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 0.75 cups of shredded Italian cheese blend until melted.

8. 8
   Step 8

   Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a baking dish.

9. 9
   Step 9

   In a small bowl, melt 2 Tbsp of butter.

10. 10
    Step 10

    Mix the butter with 0.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs, the remaining Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and remaining cheeses.

11. 11
    Step 11

    Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni in the baking dish.

12. 12
    Step 12

    Bake the casserole for 20 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.

    Timer · 20 min
13. 13
    Step 13

    Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

    Timer · 5 min