What's for Dinner? Creamy Mac and Cheese

I make a pan of macaroni and cheese a couple of times a month.  It's easy, it's cheap to make, everyone loves it, and I always have the ingredients in the house.  I serve it alone, with a salad, or with chicken, meat or fish. I have a few different ways that I make it, but no matter how I make it, mac and cheese always tastes great! 

Made the roux and added the milk to make my white sauce.  Grate your cheese.  I grated mine earlier in the day and kept it in a container in the refrigerator, it saves time while I am making the sauce.

Adding the cheese and cooking the pasta.

 Drain the pasta and add to the sauce.

Pour all of it into a greased baking dish and put onto a baking sheet, so no spills in the oven.  Top with breadcrumbs 10 minutes before taking out of the oven for a crispy, crunchy topping.

 And dig in!

Macaroni and Cheese

Cooking Spray

4 Tbsp butter

1/3 cup of flour

2 1/2 cups of milk

7 oz. block Cracker Barrel Baby Swiss Cheese, grated
7 oz. block Cracker Barrel Sharp Cheddar, grated

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp paprika

1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1 Tbsp melted butter

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray an 8 x 8 baking dish with the cooking spray and set aside.

Fill a large pot with 8 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of salt.  Bring to a boil, this is for the pasta.

Meanwhile, in a large sauce pan, on medium heat, melt the butter then add the flour and cook for 1 minute until all is combined.  This is the roux that will thicken the sauce.  Add the milk and stir into the roux.  Add the cheeses and stir.  Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika.  Stir until combined.  Heat until all the cheese is somewhat melted, then turn off the heat and take it off the burner.  Mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter, set aside

Cook the pasta in the boiling water until al dente.  Drain, then pour into the cheese mixture and toss it until it is covered with sauce.  Pour into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30 minutes and browned on top. Take out of the oven and sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.   Return to oven for 10 minutes or until breadcrumbs are browned.  Serves 6 - 8 people.