Mac and Cheese

 Homemade Mac and Cheese is a rich, creamy casserole and this recipe is truly my favorite!

Not only is this creamy macaroni and cheese recipe easy to make, it has a special ingredient so it turns out extra delicious!

This dish has so much cheesy sauce, it’s impossible to resist and once you try it, this is going to be the only baked macaroni & cheese recipe you’ll ever need!

This homemade Mac and Cheese Casserole is the best you've ever had. Tender noodles in a velvety sauce make the perfectly irresistible dish!!

Ingredients

• 12 ounces dry elbow macaroni
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup flour
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 1 cup light cream about 10-12% MF
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup optional 10.75 ounces
• 4 cups sharp cheddar divided
• ½ cup fresh parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F
2. Cook macaroni al dente (firm) according to package directions. Drain and run under cold water
3. Melt butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Whisk in flour and let cook 2 minutes while stirring. Slowly whisk in milk, cream, mustard powder, onion powder, salt & pepper to taste. Cook over medium heat while stirring until thickened
4. Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese & 3 cups cheddar cheese until melted. Add soup if using
5. Toss cheese sauce & macaroni noodles together. Pour into a greased 9×13 pan. Top with remaining cheese
6. Bake 18-24 minutes or until bubbly. Do not over cook. Cool 10-15 minutes before serving

Note

Cook pasta al dente (firm) so it doesn't overcook in the oven. I usually undercook by about 1-2 minute

Salt the pasta water

Rinse the pasta after cooking This particular recipe is designed for rinsed pasta. This stops it from cooking

Shred the cheese by hand Pre-shredded cheeses contain additives to keep it from sticking together which affect the way it melts

Rest before serving this will thicken the sauce and allow the casserole to set

Watch the timer Most importantly of all... do not over-bake this recipe

NUTRITION INFORMATIO

Calories: 539, Carbohydrates: 39g, Protein: 24g, Fat: 32g, Saturated Fat: 20g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 98mg, Sodium: 529mg, Potassium: 246mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 1031IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 560mg, Iron: 1mgN.....ses......