Back Off Kraft-- Mine's The Cheesiest

So I just made the absolute best Mac and Cheese in the entirety of the world.  And guess what, it didn't come from bright orange powder!  I've been messing around with Mac and Cheese a lot lately-- pumpkin and beer mac and cheese, buffalo mac... And surprisingly, I've been getting a lot of sass from some true mac and cheese lovers, who are quickly tiring of my desire to mess with an already perfect creation.  So I decided to get back to basics this week and make some good, old fashion comfort food... the boring way.

It looked like this and it tasted like heaven...

This might be the best Mac and Cheese that you've ever ever tried and so, get ready.  You may NEVER go back to that powdery boxed crap (unless it's 2:30am on a Saturday) and you may never be able to enjoy any other mac and cheese again.  I'm not exaggerating.  I never exaggerate. 

what we need...

1 lb Rotini 

2 cups 1% lowfat milk

3 tbs flour

2 cups fresh grated smoked Gruyere cheese

1 cup fresh grated cheddar cheese

1 cup unseasoned panko breadcrumbs

1 clove fresh garlic, chopped

3 tbs butter plus and additional 2 tbs

Salt and Pepper to taste

how do we achieve ultimate greatness?

1  Preheat oven to 375 degrees and cook pasta according to directions on package.  When cooked, set aside in strainer.  

2  In a large pot, melt 3 tbs of butter over medium high heat.  Once butter is bubbling, add 3 tbs of flour and whisk.  Add 2 cups of milk and continue whisking over medium high heat until mixture begins to thicken.  Once the mixture has become thick, remove from heat and stir in smoked Gruyere and cheddar cheeses.  Season with salt and pepper and add pasta to the pot, mixing until pasta and cheese sauce are completely combined.  Transfer into a 9 x 13 baking pan. 

3  In a medium skillet, heat additional 2 tbs of butter and garlic over medium high heat.  When butter is beginning to bubble, add panko bread crumbs and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.  Once the bread crumbs have become golden brown,  sprinkle over pasta in baking pan.  Bake Mac and Cheese for 15 minutes (or less) until sides are bubbling.  Be sure to not over cook and burn panko crumbs.

4  Yeah I know... we just made the best Mac and Cheese in the world.  What else do I need to accomplish in my life?  Right, nothing.