Cooks Recipes | Favorite Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

This classic macaroni and cheese casserole is creamy, cheesy and oh so comforting hot from the oven! If you like, add any type of cooked meat (ham, turkey, tuna, sausage, etc.) to enhance the flavor and nutrition.

Favorite Baked Macaroni and Cheese

3 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked 1/3 cup butter 1 small onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
12 ounces water 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse salt 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish; set aside.
Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat; add onion and cook until onion is translucent and softened. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add the evaporated milk, water, salt and pepper, heat to boiling and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
Add cooked macaroni and Parmesan cheese to sauce, mixing well. Spoon half of macaroni mixture evenly into prepared baking dish and sprinkle with 2 cups cheddar cheese. Spoon on remaining macaroni mixture evenly and sprinkle with remaining 2 cups cheddar cheese.
Bake at 350*F (175*C) for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned. Allow to set for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Makes 12 servings.

Variation: Add 2 cups of your choice cooked meat to the sauce and proceed as directed. A good way to use up leftover ham or turkey.

Tip: 3 cups milk can be substituted for the evaporated milk and water.

Nutrition Facts (per serving: 1/12 serving of casserole): 357.5 calories; 52% calories from fat; 21.0g total fat; 64.1mg cholesterol; 498.9mg sodium; 190.5mg potassium; 25.9g carbohydrates; 0.8g fiber; 4.1g sugar; 25.1g net carbs; 16.1g protein.