BAKED MAC AND CHEESE

BAKED MAC AND CHEESE

2 1/2 cups half and half
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
1/2 block cream cheese
1/2 (16-oz.) package elbow macaroni, cooked

Bread crumbs--optional toppings
Bacon crumbles
Parmesan cheese

Preparation
1. WHISK FLOUR INTO BUTTER
Preheat oven to400°.
Microwave half and half 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. WHISK IN WARM HALF AND HALF AND CREAM CHEESE
Gradually whisk in warm half and half and cream cheese,
and cook, whisking constantly until cream cheese is melted,
5 minutes until thickened.
3. WHISK IN CHEESE
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.

Top with bread crumbs, bacon crumbles and or parmesan cheese.

Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Southern Living
OCTOBER 2009