Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese

from tasteofhome.com

Ingredients

  • 1 package (16 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup butter, divided
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 4-1/2 cups 2% milk
  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350°. Cook the macaroni according to package directions for al dente. Drain, and set aside. Editor's Tip: Rinsing cooked pasta might keep the noodles from sticking together, but it also removes the starches that help the sauce stick to the noodles. If needed, you can prevent clumping by tossing the drained macaroni with melted butter or olive oil.

  2. 2

    In a Dutch oven, heat 1/3 cup of the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, and saute until tender. Stir in the flour, ground mustard, salt and pepper until blended.

  3. 3

    Gradually stir in the milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir until the milk is thickened.

  4. 4

    Add the cheese, and stir until melted. Stir in cooked macaroni. Transfer the mixture to a greased 13x9-inch baking dish.

  5. 5

    Place the bread crumbs in a small bowl. In a microwave, melt the remaining butter. Pour the butter over the bread crumbs, and toss to coat. Sprinkle the bread crumb topping over the casserole.

  6. 6

    Bake, uncovered, until heated through, 30 to 35 minutes.