# Ingredient List:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 pound elbow macaroni
→ Cheese Sauce
02 - 4 cups whole milk
03 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
04 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
05 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
06 - 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
07 - 1 cup Colby cheese, shredded
08 - 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened
09 - 1 cup evaporated milk
10 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Crunchy Topping
16 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
17 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
18 - 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
19 - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
20 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, approximately 1-2 minutes before package instructions indicate. Drain and set aside.
03 - In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter. Sprinkle flour over melted butter and whisk constantly for 2 minutes until a smooth paste forms.
04 - Gradually whisk in whole milk while stirring to prevent lumps. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce begins to thicken.
05 - Stir cream cheese into the sauce until completely melted and smooth. Add shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby cheeses, stirring continuously until fully melted and creamy.
06 - Pour evaporated milk into the cheese mixture. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
07 - Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until all pasta is evenly coated with sauce.
08 - Transfer half of the cheesy macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with additional cheddar cheese if desired. Top with remaining macaroni mixture and additional cheese.
09 - In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and smoked paprika. Mix until breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
10 - Spread the prepared breadcrumb mixture evenly across the surface of the macaroni.
11 - Bake for 30-35 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
12 - Remove from oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving to set the texture.
