Baked Macaroni and Cheese
CATEGORIES
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
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook until almost softened.
- 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).
- 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).
- Stir in the cheese and whisk until smooth and melted. Remove from heat.
- 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.
- Spoon pasta cheese mixture into a greased 2 quart baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until browned and bubbly.