Cheddar Topped Homestyle Macaroni & Cheese

anovamom's Note:

Comfort food with a kick! I cut out this "Kraft Kitchens" recipe from a magazine and have made it many times with delicious results. I am posting it so I can finally throw away that little clipping, and so you too can enjoy!

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 2 ¼ cups hot water
• 1 (14 ounce) package deluxe macaroni and cheese mix
• ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese , divided
• 1 cup sour cream
• ¼ cup crushed cracker (I use plain bread crumbs)
• 1 tablespoon butter or 1 tablespoon margarine , melted
• peas (optional)
• drained tuna (optional)

Directions:

1. Whisk water, cheese sauce from pouch and pepper in 1 1/2-quart casserole.
2. Stir in dry pasta and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese; cover with lid.
3. Bake at 375* for 30 minutes. Uncover; stir in sour cream.
4. In a small bowl, mix remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, crackers, and melted butter.
5. Sprinkle evenly over casserole. Bake an additional 10 minutes, uncovered.
6. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
7. Note: I usually serve this as a main dish by adding a handful or two of slightly defrosted frozen peas and a drained can of tuna (along with the sour cream in step 3).