Homemade Mac and Cheese

Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and simmer, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to the prepared baking dish.

Meanwhile, melt ¼ cup butter in a medium skillet over low heat; whisk in flour until mixture becomes paste-like and light golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.

Gradually whisk in 2 ½ cups milk; bring to a simmer.

Stir in Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses; season with salt and black pepper. Cook and stir over low heat until cheeses are melted and sauce has thickened, 3 to 5 minutes, adding up to ½ cup more milk if needed.

Pour cheese sauce over macaroni; stir until well combined.

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add bread crumbs; cook and stir until well coated and browned.

Spread bread crumbs over macaroni and cheese; sprinkle with paprika.

Bake in the preheated oven until topping is golden brown and macaroni and cheese is gooey and bubbling, about 30 minutes.