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ellen's fabulous plain old mac & cheese

(1 rating)
Starwriter avatar
Recipe by
Ellen Gwaltney Bales
@Starwriter
Indianapolis, IN

This is the mac and cheese I have been making since Day One, meaning the day I learned to cook. The recipe most likely came from an old BH&G cookbook, because I don't remember my mother ever making mac and cheese. This has been a favorite in my family for years because it is so creamy throughout and crispy on top.

(1 rating)
yield 6 serving(s)
prep time 20 Min
cook time 45 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For ellen's fabulous plain old mac & cheese

  • 2 c
    elbow macaroni, cooked
  • 3 Tbsp
    butter
  • 2 Tbsp
    all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp
    salt
  • 1/4 tsp
    pepper
  • 2 c
    milk
  • 1/4 c
    finely chopped onion (optional)
  • 2 c
    (8 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

How To Make ellen's fabulous plain old mac & cheese

  • 1
    Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
  • 2
    Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat; blend in the flour, salt and pepper. Add milk gradually, stirring constantly until thickened and bubbly. Turn off heat.
  • 3
    Add onion (optional) and 1-1/2 cups of the cheese. Stir until cheese is melted.
  • 4
    Mix the cheese sauce with the drained macaroni in a separate large bowl until macaroni is completely coated with sauce. Turn mixture into a 2-qt. casserole dish which has been sprayed with cooking spray. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the top and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven, uncovered, for 45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
  • 5
    NOTE: For a creamier dish, use half-and-half instead of milk.
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