Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2 -Grease a 2-quart baking dish or 8x8-inch baking pan.

Step 3 -Bring a pot of water to a boil over the stove-top. Add salt, to taste, to the water.

Step 4 -Add the macaroni and cook, following package directions, until just shy of al dente.

Step 5 -While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a skillet or pot large enough to hold the pasta when it’s done.

Step 6 -Add the flour and stir over medium heat until the mixture is lightly browned and the raw flour smell dissipates, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 7 -Add the milk and whisk to remove any lumps.

Step 8 -Add the 1/2 teaspoons of salt and pepper.

Step 9 -Cook the mixture over medium-high heat until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble, about 6 minutes.

Step 10 -Stir in the cheese and whisk until smooth and melted.Turn off the heat.

Step 11 -When the pasta is just shy of al dente, drain it and add it to the sauce.

Step 12 -Stir the pasta into the sauce until fully incorporated.

Step 13 -Pour the macaroni and cheese sauce into the greased dish or pan.

Step 14 -Put the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until browned and bubbly. You can also skip baking it if you want it super creamy and just put it under the broiler to brown the top.

Step 15 -Sprinkle paprika over the top, if desired, and serve!