Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

from southernliving.com

Step away from the boxed stuff. This famous and delicious mac and cheese comes together in under one hour in three easy-to-follow steps.

Ingredients

  • .5 (16-oz.) package elbow macaroni, cooked
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • .5 teaspoon salt
  • .25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 (10-oz.) block extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • .25 teaspoon ground red pepper (optional)
  • Vegetable cooking spray

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare pasta according to package directions.

  2. 2

    Microwave milk at HIGH for 1 ½ minutes. Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in warm milk, and cook, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until thickened.

  3. 3

    Whisk in salt, black pepper, 1 cup shredded cheese, and, if desired, red pepper until smooth; stir in hot cooked pasta. Spoon pasta mixture into a lightly greased 2-qt. baking dish prepped with cooking spray; top with remaining cheese. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.