Macaroni and Cheese

After making your own macaroni and cheese it will be hard to go back to the boxed stuff! This recipe is creamy and comforting!

Difficulty

Intermediate

Yield

4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter3 tablespoons flour1 ^1/2 cups milk Salt to taste Freshly ground pepper to taste1 ^1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese1/2 brick cream cheese Dash of hot sauce1 pound macaroni noodles1 cup bread crumbs5 green onions, sliced1/2 pound cooked bacon

Equipment

Large potWhiskMeasuring spoonsMeasuring cupsWood spoonStrainerGraterBaking dishCutting boardParing knifeDish towelTasting spoons

Gather your mise en place; get together all of the equipment needed for the recipe and gather your ingredients.

Measure out the flour, butter and milk.

Grate the cheese

Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, drain well and set aside.

Melt the butter in a medium pot.

Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste forms about 2 minutes. You want to cook the paste but not brown it.

Add the milk, in small batches whisking continuously until fully incorporated each time. Continue to stir as the sauce thickens.

Bring it to just a boil. Add salt and pepper to taste, lower the heat, and cook, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes more.

Add the hot sauce, ²⁄₃ grated cheese and cream cheese and stir until all of the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Stir in the green onions and bacon.

Mix the noodles with the sauce and put into the baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese and bread crumbs then bake it in a 350° oven for about 10 – 20 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and the bread crumbs are golden brown.