Home-style Macaroni and Cheese

By jbutteris

Ingredients

• 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 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 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 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.