Homemade Mac and Cheese Casserole

Ingredients

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 1 cup half and half (or light cream)
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 10.75 ounces condensed cheddar cheese soup (1 can, optional)
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. 2

   Cook macaroni al dente according to package directions. Drain and run under cold water.

3. 3

   Melt butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Whisk in flour and let cook 2 minutes while stirring. Slowly whisk in milk, cream, mustard powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to taste. Cook over medium heat while stirring until thickened.

4. 4

   Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and 3 cups cheddar cheese until melted. Add soup if using. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

5. 5

   Toss cheese sauce and macaroni noodles together. Pour into a greased 9×13 pan. Top with remaining 1 cup cheese.

6. 6

   Bake 18 to 24 minutes or until bubbly. Do not over cook. Cool 10 to 15 minutes before serving.