Original recipe for homemade macrons with cheese

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.

Add macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to the prepared baking dish. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.

While the macaroni is cooking, melt 1/4 cup salted butter in a medium skillet over low heat.

Add flour and stir until the mixture becomes light golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.

Gradually add 2 ½ cups milk into the flour mixture, and bring to a simmer.

Add shredded sharp Cheddar cheese and finely grated Parmesan cheeses, salt and ground black pepper to taste.

Cook sauce and stir over low heat until cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes. Adding up to 1/2 cup more milk if needed.

Pour cheese sauce over macaroni and stir until well combined.

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

Spread bread crumbs over macaroni and cheese. Add pinch ground paprika.

Bake in the preheated oven until topping is golden brown, about 30 minutes.