Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

From: Southern Living

Ingredients:
1 8-oz package elbow macaroni
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp ground red pepper
1 8-oz block sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

Prepare pasta according to package directions. Keep warm. Melt butter in a large saucepan 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. Spoon pasta mixture into a lightly greased 2-qt baking dish; top with remaining 1 cup cheese.

Bake at 400 for 20 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

What I did differently from the recipe:
Nothing.

What I'll do differently next time:
Nothing.

Verdict:
Thumbs UP!! Holy cow, this was delicious. Seriously, between me, Stephen and Brianna, there were two spoonfuls left when we were done. This was so close to my grandmother's recipe - which is The Best Ever. I can't get enough of Granny's mac and cheese! I do have her recipe - I need to post it on here sometime. But this was alllllmost as delicious as Granny's. Definitely will be making this again!

Printable version:

Ingredients:
1 8-oz package elbow macaroni
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp ground red pepper
1 8-oz block sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

Prepare pasta according to package directions. Keep warm. Melt butter in a large saucepan 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. Spoon pasta mixture into a lightly greased 2-qt baking dish; top with remaining 1 cup cheese. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.