Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Karen67's Note:

Another simple creamy mac & cheese recipe. When I was a kid my grandmother made it with American cheese and long macaroni noodles. I recently found the noodles that she used in a farmer's market - they are Greek pastichio macaroni noodles broken into 1-2 inch pieces before cooking. Give it a try with the Greek noodles if you can find them. Otherwise, use whatever noodles work for you.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 cups elbow macaroni or 2 cups penne pasta
• 1 ½ cups milk (2% or skim)
• 3 tablespoons flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or 1 cup American cheese
• 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese , fresh & grated

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spray a 1 quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
3. Cook noodles according to package directions, then drain.
4. While noodles are cooking, combine a small amount of milk with the flour.
5. Whisk until the flour is absorbed.
6. Add the milk flour mixture, the remaining milk, and salt & pepper to a pot.
7. Stirring constantly, heat until the sauce thickens and comes to a boil.
8. Add cheddar cheese in batches, stirring until the cheese is melted before adding more.
9. Add macaroni and transfer to casserole dish.
10. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
11. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Reviews

[bmcnichol]

This was a good baked mac and cheese. My family liked this more then I did. I followed the recipe exactly as written, using the cheddar cheese. I like my mac and cheese more cheesey but my family loved it and ate it up.

[~Nimz~]

Excellent Mac & Cheese. Mine didn't seem to be as creamy as those shown in the photo, but it tasted great. I might add additional cheese the next time I make this. The kids I'm making this for should really like it. thanks Karen for a keeper.

[Junebug]

A very good recipe for basic baked macaroni and cheese like my Grandmother and Mom used to make. Thanks for sharing your yummy recipe Karen 67!