Baked Macaroni And Cheese

Ingredients

  • 1/2 (16-oz.) package elbow macaroni, cooked

  • 2 cups milk

  • 2 Tbsp. butter

  • 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 tsp. salt

  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 (10-oz.) block extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

  • 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper (optional)

  • Cooking spray

Directions

  1. Prepare oven and pan:

    Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare pasta according to package directions. Grease a 2-qt. baking dish with cooking spray.

  2. Make roux:

    Microwave milk at HIGH for 1 1/2 minutes. Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute.

    Gradually whisk in warm milk, and cook, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until thickened.

  3. Add cheese and pasta, then bake:

    Whisk in salt, black pepper, 1 cup shredded cheese, and, if desired, red pepper until smooth.

  4. Add pasta:

    Stir in hot cooked pasta. Spoon pasta mixture into prepared dish; top with remaining cheese.

  5. Bake macaroni and cheese:

    Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.