Created by KathyD on October 17, 2011
Step 1: Boil 6 cups water and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to a boil in a medium pot. Add macaroni and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain and put in a large bowl.
Step 2: Melt 2 Tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Heat oven to 350°F Whisk in flour and cook 3 minutes, whisking constantly.
Step 3: Gradually whisk in heavy cream.
Step 4: Stir in onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer 15 minutes, stirring often.
Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups gruyere. Season to taste with salt and pepper and remove bay leaf.
Step 6: Stir in pasta.
Step 7: Pour HALF of the pasta mixture into a deep 1 1/2-quart, buttered baking dish. Sprinkle with HALF of the remaining cheese. Top with remaining pasta mixture, then add the remaining cheese.
Step 8: Melt 1 Tablespoon butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add bread crumbs and toss to coat. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top of macaroni and cheese.
Step 9: Bake 30 minutes or until bread crumbs are lightly browned. Cook 5 minutes then serve.