Classic Baked Macaroni And Cheese

Name: Classic Baked Macaroni And Cheese
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: .5 (16-oz.) package elbow macaroni, cooked; 2 cups milk; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; .5 teaspoon salt; .25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 (10-oz.) block extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded; .25 teaspoon ground red pepper (optional); Vegetable cooking spray

Description: This baked macaroni and cheese comes together in under one hour in three easy-to-follow steps. The resulting side dish is every bit as creamy and comforting as you hope.

Ingredients

.5 (16-oz.) package elbow macaroni, cooked
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
.5 teaspoon salt
.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (10-oz.) block extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
.25 teaspoon ground red pepper (optional)
Vegetable cooking spray

Instructions

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.