CREAMY BAKED MAC AND CHEESE WITH PANKO CRUMB TOPPING

Of course, it is also a staple at holiday gatherings. Paired with other favorite Thanksgiving dishes, this Mac can definitely feed (and please!) a crowd.

Super creamy, rich baked macaroni and cheese topped with crunchy bread crumbs.

Ingredients
For noodles:

• 2 cups (8 ounces) of robust macaroni pasta
• pour olive oil
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 3/4 cup half and half
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup flour
• Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
• 3/4 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup American cheese
• 1/2 cup pecorino romano cheese

For the topping:

• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano cheese
• a pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, optional

CREAMY BAKED MAC AND CHEESE WITH PANKO CRUMB TOPPING

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a casserole dish. An 8-inch square, 8-inch round cast iron, or shallow oval casserole dish works well. Boil salted water in a large pot. Add macaroni pasta and cook, removing al dente 1 minute before package directions. Drain to prevent sticking and drizzle with a little olive oil.
2. Meanwhile, heat the milk and half in the microwave, making sure not to boil.
3. In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Stir in flour and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until slightly golden, stirring constantly.
4. Turn off the heat and add the milk and cream little by little while continuing to mix. The mixture is very thick and slippery at first and thins out as you add the rest of the liquid.
5. Return heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season with garlic powder, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Turn off heat and add cheese in batches, stirring until melted. Remove from stove.
6. Combine the pasta with the cream sauce and place in a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
7. For the bread crumb filling, mix the bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, pecorino romano cheese, salt, and garlic powder in a bowl. Place in the oven, layered with cheese, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Serve immediately.