Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese

3 cups uncooked macaroni pasta
5 Tbsp butter
1/3 cup flour
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 1/2 cups milk
1 cup smoked cheddar cheese,
shredded
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese,
shredded
1/2 cup Monterey jack cheese,
shredded
Salt and pepper, to taste
Paprika or cayenne, to taste

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Prepare macaroni pasta according to instructions until it reaches al dente. Do not overcook. Drain pasta,
toss with 1 Tbsp butter, and set aside.
Melt 4 Tbsp butter in a large saucepan. Add flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about a minute.
Dissolve flour paste with heavy cream and milk;cook for 6-8 minutes until pasty and light golden brown.
Remove from stove and add cheeses. Add salt and pepper to taste.Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter and add macaroni.
Pour cheese and milk mixture evenly over pasta. Sprinkle paprika or cayenne and additional salt and pepper on top.
Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the sauce bubbles on the edges. Set aside and cool slightly before serving.