Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 TBSP butter
- 2 TBSP all-purpose flour
- 2 C milk (optional 1C milk, 1C half-and-half)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp fresh ground black pepper
- ⅛ tsp ground cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 C shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
Directions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions. Keep warm.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-low heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk, and cook, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in salt, black and cayenne pepper, 2C shredded cheese, and cooked pasta.
- Spoon pasta mixture into a lightly greased 2-qt. baking dish.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.