Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese

By jann

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups milk
• 4 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crushed saltine crackers

Preparation

Step 1

•Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 9- x 13-inch baking
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dish with cooking spray. In a large pot, cook macaroni according to package directions; drain, return macaroni to pot, and set aside.

• Meanwhile, in a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup butter. Add flour, salt, and pepper; mix well. Gradually add milk, bring to a boil, and cook until smooth and thickened, stirring constantly. Add cheese
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and continue stirring until melted.

• Add three-quarters of cheese sauce to macaroni; mix well. Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish and pour remaining cheese sauce evenly over top.

• In a microwaveable bowl, melt remaining butter
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in microwave. Stir in crushed crackers; mix until crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle evenly over top of macaroni.

• Bake uncovered 30 to 35 minutes, or until heated through.

Yes, this macaroni and cheese can be made the day before. However, the cooking time may change since you will be putting cold macaroni in the oven (may be about 20-30 minutes more). Also, make sure you don't put the crackers on top until it's ready to be baked. Finally, the macaroni may not be as creamy, since as the macaroni sits it will absorb some of the liquid. It will still taste delicious though! :) Add a little more milk if making the day before.