Serves 4-6
4 tbsp. butter, divided
2 tbsp. flour
2 cups milk
1/2 onion, minced
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp. paprika
2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
8 oz. small pasta shapes, cooked
In a large sauce pan over medium-high heat, melt 2 tbsp. of the butter. Add the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 3 minutes. It should darken into a nice caramel color. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly, scraping pan and whisking up any lumps until the milk is completely incorporated. Add onion, paprika, and bay leaf and simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Add cheese and stir until completely melted. Add pasta and stir.
Butter or spray a casserole and pour mixture in. Melt remaining butter and combine with breadcrumbs. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over macaroni and bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly and breadcrumbs are browned.
Party Preparation
I baked these in little dishes for the party. Fill as desired, top with some buttered breadcrumbs, and reduce cooking time to 15 minutes.
