Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 pound macaroni
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
3. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually stir in milk, stirring constantly until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in the Cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until cheese is melted.
5. Mix macaroni into the cheese sauce and pour into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top.
7. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until bubbly and lightly browned.

Interesting Facts

• Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food dish that dates back to the 18th century.
• It is believed to have been created by Thomas Jefferson in the 1770s, who brought a pasta machine back from Italy.
• It was popularized in the United States in the 1930s when Kraft began producing the boxed version.
• Mac and cheese is popular around the world and is often served with a variety of toppings, such as bacon, bread crumbs, and hot sauce.