Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Southern Living Staff
Updated

Yields: 6 to 8 servings

Active time: 22 minutes

Total time: 47 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 (10-oz.) block extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper (optional)

  • 1/2 (16-oz.) package elbow macaroni, cooked

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°. Microwave milk at HIGH for 1 1/2 minutes. Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute.

  2. Gradually whisk in warm milk, and cook, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until thickened.

  3. Whisk in salt, black pepper, 1 cup shredded cheese, and, if desired, red pepper until smooth; stir in pasta. Spoon pasta mixture into a lightly greased 2-qt. baking dish; top with remaining cheese. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.