Baked Mac and Cheese

This is a homey and comforting recipe for baked macaroni and cheese.

Serves:  6

Prep Time: 30 min

Cooking Time: 30 min

Total: 60 min

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups macaroni, regular or whole wheat
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
paprika (optional)

Cheese Sauce
1 1/2 cups milk

1-2 tbsp. butter or margarine

1-2 tbsp. flour

1 tsp. mustard powder (optional)

1 cup grated cheddar cheese
dried basil or oregano (optional)

salt and pepper

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat water until it boils.  Add macaroni and cook as directed on package.  When it is cooked, drain, rinse and return to pot.  Set aside.
2. As the macaroni is cooking make a bechamel sauce.  Add more grated cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese if desired.
3. Make sure the macaroni is separated in small pieces and not one clump.  Pour prepared cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir until combined.
4. Transfer macaroni and cheese into a deep casserole dish.  
5. Brown breadcrumbs by melting 1 tbsp. butter in a small saucepan on low-medium heat.  Add breadcrumbs and stir to combine.  Cook for about 2 minutes.
6. Spoon breadcrumbs over macaroni and sprinkle with either oregano and basil or paprika.
7. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 F.  In the last 5 minutes sprinkle more grated cheese and broil.
8. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes, and then serve with a mixed green salad.