Southern Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 (16-ounce) package elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions in a large pot of boiling water.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly with a whisk.
4. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and boils. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the salt and pepper.
5. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cheese until melted. Add the cooked macaroni and stir until the macaroni is evenly coated.
6. Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased 2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with the bread crumbs.
7. Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Interesting Facts

• Macaroni and Cheese is a classic Southern dish.
• The dish is also known as “mac and cheese” or “mac n cheese”.
• It is said to have originated in the United States in the 18th century.