Southern Mac and Cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook elbow macaroni. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions, just until a little under al dente, about 4 minutes. When finished, drain pasta in a colander and rinse until cold water. Set aside.

3. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter then add flour and stir to make a roux. Then slowly add milk and stir until slightly thickened.  Add 2 cups of cheddar, 1/2 cup melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Stir until combined and creamy. Stir in cooked macaroni.

4. In a casserole dish, pour half the macaroni mixture. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of Colby Jack cheese evenly on top. Spread the other half of the macaroni mixture on top in an even layer. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. 

5. Mix remaining 2 cups of Cheddar and 1/2 cup Colby jack cheese and set aside. 

6. Remove dish from oven. Remove the foil. Now top the macaroni with the remaining cheese mixture. Broil on top shelf until cheese in browned in spots. Approximately 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye so the cheese does not burn. 

7. I like to add bread crumbs on top too for a little crispiness.  You can add the bread crumbs to the cheese when you broil. 

8. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes until set.