1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set it aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta) and cook until al dente, usually 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions.
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Toss with a little butter or oil to prevent sticking.

3. Make the Roux (Cheese Sauce Base)

1. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously. This step removes the raw taste of the flour.
3. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

4. Add the Cheese and Seasonings

1. Lower the heat and slowly stir in 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese and ½ cup of Gruyère cheese, a handful at a time. Whisk until melted and smooth.
2. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, mustard powder, and paprika (if using). Taste and adjust as needed.

5. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

1. Pour the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and stir until the macaroni is fully coated.

6. Assemble the Dish

1. Transfer the cheesy macaroni into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
2. Sprinkle ½ cup of sharp cheddar cheese over the top for extra cheesiness (optional).

7. Prepare the Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix well to coat the breadcrumbs evenly.
2. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni.

8. Bake to Perfection

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
2. For an extra crispy crust, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

9. Rest and Serve

• Let the macaroni and cheese cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, ensuring every bite is creamy and delicious.