Macaroni and Cheese

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Macaroni and cheese. The perfect comfort food. What's not to like? It's creamy, cheesy and decadent! If it's snowing and raining where you are like it is here, this is a great dish to warm up to. It's much better than the boxed stuff! And probably takes the same amount of time to prepare since you can whip up the cheese sauce while the pasta is cooking!

I've tried different combinations over the years...various types of cheese, adding bacon and onions, a little hot sauce for some heat. But I always, always return to the original. It took some testing along the way to figure out what flavor combinations I like the best, and I think I succeeded! I'm not a huge fan of sharp cheddar, which mac and cheese is typically made with, so I opted for mild Cheddar mixed with a Mexican blend cheese, and it is pure heaven! Ground mustard, a very underrated spice, adds a sharp flavor to liven up the dish. Enjoy!!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb. elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp. butter
• 4 tbsp. flour
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. ground mustard
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 2 cups whole or 2% milk
• 1 1/2 cups Mild Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Mexican blend cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook pasta for 6-8 minutes, until al dente.

Meanwhile, melt butter in a large saucepan. Gradually add in flour, whisking constantly. Immediately add salt, ground mustard and black pepper. Stir until well blended, about 1 minute. 

Slowly add milk to butter mixture, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil and let boil for about 2 minutes.  Lower heat and continue to cook over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Slowly add in cheese, reserving 1/4 cup for topping, stirring to combine along the way. Keep stirring until cheese is completely melted.

Remove from heat and add cooked macaroni.  Stir until combined.  

Add macaroni and cheese to baking dish.  Top with leftover 1/4 cup cheese. Bake in the oven for 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly and serve! 

Source: SK Original