Mom's Creamiest Mac and Cheese

Step 1 -Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F.

Step 2 -Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Step 3 -Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add in the elbow pasta and cook for 1 minute less than the recommended cook time on the package instructions, to ensure the noodles are al dente.

Step 4 -Drain and combine with olive oil to avoid any sticking. Set aside.

Step 5 -Meanwhile, toss to combine the grated cheddar and Gruyere cheeses. Then, divide the cheese mix into 3 separate containers: 1 1/2 cups for the center layer, 1 1/2 cups for the topping, and 3 cups for the sauce.

Step 6 -In a large saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter.

Step 7 -Pour in the flour, whisking to combine. The mixture should have a wet-sand appearance. Whisk the flour and butter often, cooking for about 1 minute until the raw flour smell dissipates.

Step 8 -In a separate dish, combine the milk and the half-and-half. Then slowly pour 2 cups of the milk/cream mixture into the saucepan, whisking frequently until smooth.

Step 9 -Once you have a smooth consistency, slowly pour the remaining milk/cream mix into the saucepan, whisking frequently to fully combine.

Step 10 -Continue heating the milk, flour, and butter over medium heat, constantly whisking, until it forms a thick and smooth consistency.

Step 11 -Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the cheese blend as well as the salt, pepper, and paprika, mixing to combine until melted.

Step 12 -Then stir in an additional 1 1/2 cups of the cheese blend, mixing until fully melted and smooth.

Step 13 -In a large mixing bowl, incorporate the drained pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring to combine.

Step 14 -Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 15 -Then, pour 1 1/2 cups of the grated cheese blend over top.

Step 16 -Top with the remaining pasta mixture.

Step 17 -Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of the cheese mixture over the top.

Step 18 -Bake the mac and cheese until the cheese is bubbly and golden-brown, for about 15 minutes.

Step 19 -Serve hot and melty!