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Christy's Baked Mac and Cheese

Source of Recipe

Christy


Recipe Introduction

This is one of my husband's favorites. It's rich and creamy, very filling. Would probably be good even without the step of baking -- could simply prepare the sauce and combine with cooked pasta on the stovetop.

List of Ingredients

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons butter
2 boxes (8 ounce each) uncooked pasta shells
3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups milk
1 cup half and half or heavy cream
1/4 cup butter, cut into pieces
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs



Recipe

Cook pasta as directed; drain. In skillet, melt butter, and then mix in flour; make a roux and cook till blonde in color. Gradually stir in milk, thickening sauce up and whisking well. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, parsley, dill weed, and other seasonings as desired. Stir in 2 c. of the cheese. Stir in slowly the half and half; cook till desired consistency. Stir in remaining cheese. Toss with pasta, and pour into a buttered casserole dish. Sprinkle top of casserole with Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and dot with cut up butter. Bake in 400ºF oven until top is getting crunchy and middle is bubbly. This recipe is good with extra cheese, and can use combination of types (smoked, jack, sharp, Swiss, etc.) Reheats well.