Home Style Seasoned Mac & Cheese

Submitted by Chef shapeweaver

"I know there are several Mac & Cheese recipes already on here, and I figured one more wouldn't hurt. :) Cook time for pasta isn't including in prep or cook time. As with all my recipes, please feel free to adjust the seasonings according to you and your families tastes."

 

• Ready In: 50mins
• Ingredients: 11
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 1 1⁄4 cups elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons margarine or 3 tablespoons butter
• 1⁄8 th. cup finely chopped sweet onion, can use same amount of green onion if desired
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1⁄2 - 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard, can use prepared mustard instead
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3⁄4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt, add more if desired
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper, add more if desired
• 6 ounces shredded colby-monterey jack cheese, divided

directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions and set aside.
2. Over medium heat, in a medium size saucepan melt margarine and add onions.
3. Cook onions until softened.
4. Add flour and cook until lightly browned.
5. Turn heat to low and add milk a little at a time, stir until desired thickness is reached. ( You might need a little more milk, it all depends on how thick you want it. ).
6. Remove sauce from heat and add 4 1/2 ounces of cheese, a little at a time or it might turn out " STRINGY ".
7. Add seasonings to sauce and mix well.
8. Add cooked pasta to seasoned sauce and stir until pasta is well coated.
9. Pour pasta/sauce into an 11 x 7 inch pan that has been prepared with cooking spray.
10. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, and sprinkle additional paprika if desired.
11. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until top is golden brown.

Reviews

[lxfraze]

I made a poorman's version of this because I didn't have all of the ingredients: no cayenne so chili instead, no onion, no extra cheese, kraft Mac & cheese made in the microwave with water and no homemade sauce. Despite all of that, it was delicious. I was extremely cautious with the mustard at first, leaving it out for my first bite and adding a little bit to my second one. It balanced the flavors in such an amazing way. I can't even explain how after adding the mustard, my Mac & cheese felt like it was missing something I never realized in the first bite. Will definitely make this again and probably will add sausage next time