Mac & Cheese

By á-6623

Ingredients

• Sauce
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3-1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 cups whole milk {or 3/4 cup evaporated milk and 3/4 cup water}
• 1-3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup Jack cheese, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt {or sea salt}
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pasta
• 3-1/4 cups penne pasta
• 1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup Jack cheese, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Preparation

Step 1

To prepare sauce, melt butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat and whisk in the flour. Continue whisking and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly. Cook until sauce thickens, about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Add cheeses, salt, chili powder and garlic powder. Stir until cheese is melted and all ingredients are incorporated, about 3 minutes. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 350º F. Butter or oil an 8-inch baking dish. Cook penne for 2 minutes less than package directions. (It will finish cooking in the oven.) Rinse pasta in cold water and drain well.

Combine pasta and sauce in a medium bowl; mix carefully but thoroughly. Scrape the pasta into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle top with cheeses and then the chili powder.

Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Grab some giant plates and be prepared to go back for seconds.