Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese

Lennie's Note:

It's not a lowfat casserole, but it's so delicious you won't care. Add leftover ham for an even heartier meal.

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 40 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• ½ lb macaroni
• ¼ cup butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups 1% low-fat milk
• ½ lb low-fat cream cheese , softened
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ lb sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumb
• 2 tablespoons butter , melted
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cook macaroni (1/2 pound= 2 cups dry) until just al dente.
3. You can use elbows for a traditional look, but try scoobi-doo-- it works well in this recipe.
4. Drain pasta well.
5. While the mac is boiling, melt the 1/4-cup butter in a large pot.
6. Whisk in the flour.
7. Over med heat, whisk until smooth and bubbly (only about a minute).
8. Stir in milk, cream cheese, salt, pepper& mustard.
9. Keep cooking and stirring until sauce is thickened-- about three or four minutes.
10. Cut the block of cheddar into half-inch cubes.
11. Add drained macaroni and cubed cheddar& combine well.
12. Pour into a casserole sprayed with Pam.
13. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and sprinkle over top.
14. Dust with paprika if desired.
15. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until top is golden brown and casserole is heated through.

Reviews

[Mysterygirl]

We loved the creamy texture of this dish. I didn't know that homemade mac & cheese was so easy. I added ham & broccoli to make it a main dish casserole and my husband, who doesn't care for mac & cheese said that it was a keeper. Thanks for the suggestion, Lennie.

[Mirj]

I have made a zillion and one different versions of macaroni and cheese, but never with cream cheese in it. This one was so luscious, we're going to be having it more often. It's a cross between mac and cheese and elbows alfredo. Thanks Lennie!

[Richard-NYC]

I have wanted to make this recipe for months and I knew that has it was baking in the oven I was in for a major "good thing." It was so good that I have been sneaking nibbles of cold mac and cheese. Lennie, this is a very addictive and wonderful recipe. I just wish I had made it sooner!