Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: bread crumbs for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk until smooth, creating a roux.
4. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for a few minutes until the mixture thickens.
5. Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat the macaroni evenly.
7. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle bread crumbs on top for a crispy crust.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• Feel free to customize your macaroni and cheese by adding other ingredients such as cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, or sautéed onions.
• For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free macaroni and reduce the amount of cheese or use a lighter cheese option.
• To make the dish even more indulgent, you can add a layer of additional shredded cheese on top before baking.