Mommy's Mac and Cheese

Mommy's Mac and Cheese

This is a bit more labor intensive than the pizzas, but so delicious! If possible bake them in individual bowls. Children love great presentation too!

Ingredients:

1 lb. elbow macaroni

4 tbsp unsalted butter

1/2 small onion, chopped

1/4 cup all purpose flour

2 cups milk

2 cups half and half

1/8 tsp grated nutmeg

2 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese

salt and pepper (to taste)

1/2 c seasoned bread crumbs

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 ℉. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside (drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent noodles sticking). Meanwhile, in a 4-6qt stock pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Whisk in the flour, coating the onions. In a steady and slow stream, add the milk, whisking continually until there are no lumps. Cook, whisking often until the mixture is thick and bubbly, about 6 to 8 minutes longer. 

2. Stir in the nutmeg and 2 cups of the cheese, season with salt and pepper. 

3. Toss the pasta into the cheese mixture. Transfer to a 9x13" baking dish, or 8 individual baking dishes. Set aside.

4. Toss the bread crumbs with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Top the pasta with the breadcrumb mixture. Bake until the top is golden brown, about 30 minutes. (The crisp cheese on top is the trick to a great oven-baked Mac and Cheese!)

Up next: Spaghetti and Meatballs!