This creamy baked mac and cheese recipe is one I first made three years ago when I was in California. When I got back to Texas, I made it for my mom. This is now her favorite macaroni and cheese. She begs me to make it when I come to visit.
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (8 ounce) package processed American cheese, cut into strips
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion for 2 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Then stir in milk, salt, mustard, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until mixture boils and thickens.
Meanwhile, bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes; drain.
Add Cheddar and American cheeses to milk mixture; stir until cheese melts.
Combine cheese sauce and macaroni in a 2-quart baking dish; mix well.
Bake in preheated oven until hot and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.