The Best Baked Macaroni & Cheese

This is my favorite recipe for Baked Mac & Cheese.  I spent months researching recipes for this wonderful family meal & couldn't find one that turned out "just right".  I played around with a number of recipes trying to get this dish perfect.  Below is my personal recipe for the Best Baked Macaroni & Cheese.  I hope you like it!

Sandra

Prepare 1 pound of macaroni noodles according the directions on the pasta box.

Combine pasta with sauce & place in greased/buttered casserole dish.  Bake in a 350 oven for 40-55 minutes until dish is bubbly and top is browned.  Serves 6-10

Sauce
10 Tablespoons butter
1 Cup flour
2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 teaspoon pepper - fresh ground is best
4 cups milk
Optional seasonings - Oregano, Tarragon, Basil - approximately 1/2 to 1 teaspoon each. Another addition is 1 Cup of finely diced white or sweet yellow onion. (Go easy with the Oregano it can be very overpowering.
3 1/4 Cups of Colby Jack Cheese shredded
1/2 Cup of Parmesean cheese finely grated
1 Cup Italian bread crumbs


Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat.  Blend in the flour & seasonings creating a roux.  Continue to cook over medium heat until mixture is smooth & bubbly.  Add milk 1 Cup at a time while stirring continuously.  Continue cooking over medium heat and add cheese a handful at a time stirring until fully melted.

Place macaroni noodles into a large baking dish & pour cheese sauce mixture over noodles.  Top by sprinkling Italian bread crumbs over the entire dish.  A thin layer of bread crumbs is all you need.  Cover with foil for the first 25 minutes, uncover & sprinkle with parm cheese or romano & continue baking.  Allow to sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Never said this recipe was healthy..but it sure is tasty!