The Best Macaroni & Cheese Recipe Ever

By pfwombat

Ingredients

• 8 oz (1/2 lb or about 1 3/4 cup) macaroni
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/8 spoon smoked paprka plus extra for sprinkling on top (optional)
• 2 1/2 cups 2% milk
• 3 cups grated medium cheddar cheese

Details

Adapted from kitchentreaty.com

Preparation

Step 1

1) Boil the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water to cool down the cooking, and return to the pan you boiled in. Set aside. (Mix in a little butter to prevent sticking if it's going to be a while before you make the sauce)
2) Preheat the oven to 375 F
3) To a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the butter. When the butter has melted, add the flour, salt, dry mustard, pepper and smoked paprika. With a wooden spoon, stir constantly for 3 min.
4) Add the milk in a thin stream, stirring constantly with a whisk. Continue to stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 10-12 min.
5) Remove from heat and add 2 cups of the cheese, stirring until melted. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and toss gently until all of the pasta is coated.
6) Add half the pasta to a 2-quart casserole dish (or a 8 by 8 inch baking dish). Sprinkle half the cheese. Add the rest of the pasta. Sprinkle on the rest of the cheese, then dust lightly with smoked paprika.
7) Bake for about 25-30 min, until the mac and cheese starts getting slightly dry and a tiny bit brown on top. Serve, topping individual servings with cooked, chopped bacon if desired.