Baked Macaroni and Cheese
INGREDIENTS
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • 1 1/2 cups dry elbow macaroni or shell pasta
  • 3 Tablespoons butter
  • 3 Tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups milk (not skim)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
DIRECTIONS
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
  3. Add pasta to the boiling water and cook until almost softened.
  4. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large pan or pot. Add the flour and stir over medium heat until the mixture is lightly browned (about 1-2 minutes).
  5. Add the milk to the flour mixture and whisk until smooth. Then add the salt and pepper. Cover and cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens (about 5-6 minutes).
  6. Stir in the cheese and whisk until smooth and melted. Remove from heat.
  7. When the pasta is cooked (but slightly firm), drain it and add it to the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta and sauce are mixed well.
  8. Spoon pasta cheese mixture into a greased 2 quart baking dish.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until browned and bubbly.
RECIPE BACKSTORY
My family loves mac and cheese, great comfort food for cold weather but also great for summertime picnics. Submitted by: "Anne Arnold"