Sobo Cafe Macaroni and Cheese

This is the signature dish of a great little South Baltimore, MD eatery. My friends and I simply cannot eat there without sharing an enormous portion. It's not fancy, but man is it satisfying. NOTE that this recipe makes an very large quantity (12x17", 2-3 inches deep), so halving it might be a good idea.

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 2  lbs ziti pasta
• 1⁄2 lb unsalted butter
• 1  white onion, diced
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 3⁄4 cup flour
• 4  cups  whole milk
• 2  lbs sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons paprika
•  kosher salt
•  fresh ground black pepper
• 1 (15 ounce) can  diced tomatoes, drained
• 8  ounces cream cheese, chunked
• 1  cup  breadcrumbs

Directions

1. Cook pasta al dente, drain.
2. Saute onions in butter until translucent. Add garlic and flour, lower heat to medium, and brown flour to color of brown egg.
3. Slowly pour in milk while stirring. Turn up heat and stir constantly until sauce turns thick; when it does, add half the cheddar, and the spices, tomato, pasta and cream cheese.
4. Dump into greased 12x17 deep casserole or roasting pan and top with other half of cheddar and bread crumbs.
5. Bake at 375 degrees until brown and gooey, about an hour.