Sweetie Pies Mac And Cheese Recipe

Baked Mac and Cheese

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. Bake: 30 min.

Makes

8 servings

Even people who have had their own homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe for years ask for mine when they taste this crumb-topped version. For the best baked mac and cheese, use extra-sharp white cheddar cheese for more flavor. —Shelby Thompson of Dover, Delaware

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni
1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup butter, divided
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4-1/2 cups 2% milk
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup dry bread crumbs

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente; drain.
In a Dutch oven, heat 1/3 cup butter over medium heat; saute onion until tender. Stir in flour and seasonings until blended; gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened. Stir in cheese until melted. Stir in macaroni. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish.
In a microwave, melt remaining butter; toss with bread crumbs. Sprinkle over casserole. Bake, uncovered, until heated through, 30-35 minutes.

Test Kitchen Tips

Sharp cheddar cheese has been aged longer than regular cheddar. As cheese ages, its flavor becomes more pronounced. Using aged cheese in a recipe can add complexity and rich flavor, even to humble favorites like mac 'n' cheese.

Unless otherwise specified, Taste of Home recipes are tested with lightly salted butter. Unsalted, or sweet, butter is sometimes used to achieve a buttery flavor, such as in shortbread cookies or buttercream frosting. In these recipes, added salt would detract from the buttery taste desired.

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Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 689 calories, 37g fat (22g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 834mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.