Baked Macaroni Cheese Recipe

Ingredients for Baked Macaroni Cheese

• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• All Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Fresh Ground Black Pepper
• Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• Ground Red Pepper
• Elbow Macaroni

How to Make Baked Macaroni Cheese

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat.
4. Whisk in flour until smooth and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly, to create a roux.
5. Microwave milk for 1 1/2 minutes on high to warm it slightly.
6. Gradually whisk warm milk into the roux, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (about 5 minutes).
7. Reduce heat to low. Stir in 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
9. Stir in the cooked macaroni until evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
10. Pour macaroni and cheese mixture into a lightly greased 2-quart baking dish.
11. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese.
12. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.