Fancy Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

2 cups of elbow macaroni or medium shells

1 stick butter, divided

1/4 cup minced onions

3 T all-purpose flour

2 cups of whole milk or 1/2&1/2

1/2 dry white wine

2 cups of grated cheddar cheese

1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs (for topping)

Salt and Pepper

1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon paprika 

Directions:

Cook macaroni just until tender, drain and set aside. 

Breadcrumb Topping:

In Dutch oven pan melt 4 Tablespoons of butter (1/2 stick). When melted, stir in the breadcrumbs and toast until lightly browned. Remove from pan and set aside.

Remaining Directions: 

Wipe out pan with a paper towel and melt the remaining 4 Tablespoons of butter. Add the onions and cook until translucent. Stir in flour and seasonings continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Add wine and gradually stir in the milk or cream.

Simmer over low heat, stirring constantly until sauce is thickened and smooth. Add cheese and continue stirring until cheese melts.

Add macaroni to the pot with cheese sauce. Mix and pour into a buttered casserole dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top with the toasted breadcrumbs.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.