Classic Mac & Cheese (southern Living Feb 2007)

Total Time: 40 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1 (8 ounce) package sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided

Recipe

• 1 prepare pasta according to package directions. keep warm.
• 2 melt butter in a large saucepan or dutch oven over medium-low heat; whisk in flour until smooth. cook, whisking constantly, 2 minutes. gradually whisk in milk, and cook, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until thickened. remove from heat. stir in salt, black and red pepper, 1 cup shredded cheese, and cooked pasta.
• 3 spoon pasta mixture into a lightly greased 2-qt. baking dish; top with remaining 1 cup cheese.
• 4 bake at 400°f for 20 minutes or until bubbly. let stand 10 minutes before serving.
• 5 note: for testing purposes only, we used kraft sharp cheddar cheese. to lighten, 2% reduced-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese may be substituted.
• 6 one-pot macaroni and cheese: prepare recipe as directed, stirring all grated cheddar cheese into thickened milk mixture until melted. add cooked pasta, and serve immediately. prep: 10 min., cook: 7 minutes.