Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter
• Kosher Salt
• 1 lb of Penne Pasta
• 2 Cups of Milk
• 2 Cups of Grated Sharp Chedder
• 1/2 Cup of Breadcrumbs

Directions

Macaroni

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish.
3. Boil macaroni in water for 10-15 minutes and then strain it.

Cheese Sauce

1. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter into a 1-quart saucepan.
2. Stir in 4 tablespoons of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt with a wire whisk over medium heat until the flour turns light brown.
3. Add 1 cup of milk to saucepan slowly and then a second cup of milk stirring until sauce thickens.
4. Add 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar to the sauce, stirring until the cheese melts.

Topping

1. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small pot.
2. Stir 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs in pot until the crumbs are moist.

Final Steps

1. Place macaroni and cheese sauce into buttered 2-quart casserole dish.
2. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
3. Place casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-17 minutes.
4. Serve dish.

Source — James' Cookbook
Prepared by James A. Bailey
Louisiana Anthology
January 4, 2021