Classic Baked Mac & Cheese

By Lorena_321

Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz.) pkg. elbow macaroni
• 2 T. butter
• 2 T. all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• ½ t. salt
• ½ t. ground black pepper
• ¼ t. ground red pepper
• 1 (8 oz.) block sharp cheddar cheese, shredded & divided

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Prepare pasta according to package directions. Keep warm.
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cook, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in salt, black and red pepper, 1 cup shredded cheese, and cooked pasta.
Spoon pasta mixture into a lightly greased ovenproof casserole dish; top with remaining 1 cup cheese.
Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.