Classic Baked Macaroni And Cheese

• servings: 8 servings
• total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

½ (16-oz.) package elbow macaroni, cooked

2 cups milk

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 (10-oz.) block extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

¼ teaspoon ground red pepper (optional)

Vegetable cooking spray

Directions

Prepare oven and pan: Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare pasta according to package directions. Grease a 2-qt. baking dish with cooking spray.

Make roux: Microwave milk at HIGH for 1 1/2 minutes. Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in warm milk, and cook, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until thickened.

Add cheese and pasta, then bake: Whisk in salt, black pepper, 1 cup shredded cheese, and, if desired, red pepper until smooth.

Add pasta: Stir in hot cooked pasta. Spoon pasta mixture into prepared dish; top with remaining cheese.

Bake macaroni and cheese: Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.