GOOD OL' MAC 'N CHEESE
Author: Tag Sale Tastes
Ingredients
  • 5 tablespoons butter, divided use
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2-1/2 cups half and half or whole milk (can substitute low-fat milk for half of the milk)
  • 1 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, cut into ½" cubes
  • ½ pound Colby cheese, cut into ½" cubes
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
  • Pinch of cayenne
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound cavatappi or elbow macaroni
  • ½ cup plain dry bread crumbs
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish.
  2. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Add the half-and-half and cook over moderate heat, whisking constantly until thickened, about 3 minutes. Add half of the Cheddar and Colby cheeses, and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth. Stir in mustard, nutmeg, and cayenne. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  4. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain well, and return pasta to pot. Add the cheese sauce to the pasta and the remaining cheese, and stir until thoroughly combined. Transfer the pasta to the prepared baking dish.
  5. In a small non-metal bowl, melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Add the bread crumbs and stir until evenly moistened. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the crumbs over the pasta, and bake for 45 minutes, until golden and bubbling on top. Let stand 10-15 minutes before serving.
Recipe by Tag Sale Tastes at https://www.tagsaletastes.com/2013/12/14/good-ol-mac-n-cheese/