Baked Cheesy Macaroni & Cheese

Serve macaroni and cheese immediatly while it remains hot.

When cooked right, homemade macaroni and cheese cannot be compared with its boxed counterpart. The homemade mixture has a thick and creamy texture that commercial boxed macaroni and cheese dishes cannot replicate. While recipes for the dish vary according to personal tastes, all the dishes incorporate a basic cheese sauce that makes the macaroni and cheese a crowd pleaser. Serve the macaroni and cheese immediately as a side dish or toss in shredded chicken for a simple meal.

Things You'll Need

• 8 oz. elbow macaroni
• Pot
• Colander
• Nonstick spray
• 2 qt. baking dish
• 4 tbsp. butter
• Saucepan
• 4 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp. dry mustard
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. black pepper
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup light cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tbsp. melted butter

Instructions

1. Pour 8 oz. of elbow macaroni into a pot. Add the recommended amount of water according to the package instructions and bring it to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the instructions and drain it in a colander. Rinse the macaroni and set it aside.

2. Apply nonstick spray to a 2 qt. baking dish. Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Melt 4 tbsp. of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 4 tbsp. of flour slowly until the mixture looks smooth and bubbly.

4. Add 1/4 tsp. of dry mustard, 1/2 tsp. of salt and 1/8 tsp. of black pepper. Stir in 1 cup of milk slowly, then add 1 cup of light cream. Stir the mixture constantly and continue to cook it until thickened.

5. Add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture. Stir the mixture until the cheese melts.

6. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Stir the mixture well and pour it into the baking dish. Top the macaroni with 3/4 cup of bread crumbs coated with 2 tbsp. of melted butter.

7. Bake the macaroni and cheese in the heated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the macaroni from the oven when it is lightly browned and bubbling.

Tips & Warnings

• Add other cheeses to the recipe such as grated Swiss, Colby or Muenster to customize it to your tastes.

• Never leave the sauce unattended while it thickens because it will burn easily.

References

• "Good Housekeeping": Triple Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe
• Food Network: The Ultimate Lady's Cheesy Mac and Cheese Recipe
• Kraft Recipes: Super Cheesy Baked Macaroni and Cheese