Melissa's Macaroni and Cheese - 1qt dish
By srumbel
This is one of those recipes that I now make off of memory. Of course it was a lot of trial and error along the way.
from servedupwithlove.com
Ingredients
- (this recipe is for a 1 quart dish)
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon margarine or butter
- I tablespoon all purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
Preparation
Step 1
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Melt butter and stir in flour to make a roux. Stir in milk, stir constantly until the mixture thickens. Continue stirring while melting the cheese. Butter or oil casserole dish and mix noodles with cheese sauce. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Enjoy!
I make this in a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish, which is roughly tripling this recipe
Place butter in a sauce pan. Melt it down and then add flour and make a roux. The key is to not let the butter burn and its equal butter to flour ratio. Once that is all mixed in pour in the milk and stir, stir, stir. This is usually the most time consuming part. You want to constantly stir so that the milk does not scald or stick. If that happens you will need to start all over. At the same time you are making this you want to boil the water for the noodles. Use whatever noodles you have on hand. Cook according to package directions. You will want to cook these al dente since they will go in the oven with the sauce and continue to cook. Also, if you are using a chunk of cheese you will want to chop this up prior to starting this and have it ready for you when you need it. Once you are in the process you will not be able to stop and chop it. You could also use shredded if that is what you prefer. This will start to thicken and if you take your spoon and run your finger across the back and it clearly shows a line its ready for the cheese. Keep stirring and once all the cheese is melted the cheese sauce is done.
Once the cheese sauce is done you want to prepare your dish you are baking this in. Spray with cooking spray or oil your dish. Mix the noodles and cheese sauce together. I always do this in the casserole dish. Place in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes. If I have extra cheese I usually add more cheese on the top while baking.