After the Holiday weekend I was tired of cooking so I wanted a simple yet good dinner. Homemade Mac and Cheese is a favorite of my kids, and they loved this recipe! I paired it with a side of kielbasa, because my family loves meat too lol! It was the perfect comfort food meal for these cold dark nights. Sometimes you just need to pick a recipe that you know your whole family will love, that’s easy, and also good leftover!

BAKED MAC & CHEESE

INGREDIENTS

• 8 ounces Essential Everyday Elbow Macaroni
• 1/2 cup Essential Everyday Butter divided
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 6 tablespoons Essential Everyday All-purpose Flour
• 1 1/2 cups Essential Everyday Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese
• 1 1/2 cups Essential Everyday Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 1 1/4 cups Essential Everyday Fancy Shredded Italian Style Parmesan Cheese divided
• 1 1/2 cups Essential Everyday Crispy Panko Style Plain Bread Crumbs

DIRECTIONS

Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain. Meanwhile, in medium saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic in butter 1 minute.

Whisk in flour; cook 1 minute, whisking constantly. Gradually add in warmed milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and mixture comes to a boil.

Blend in cheeses (reserving ¼ cup shredded Parmesan); salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and continue stirring until cheese is melted.

Toss pasta with sauce and transfer to a greased 2½-quart baking dish. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Toss with bread crumbs and remaining Parmesan cheese; sprinkle over pasta.

Bake in a preheated 375°F oven 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.