Creamy Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2 cups milk
• 2 (10-ounce) blocks sharp Cheddar cheese,, shredded and divided
• 1 (10-ounce) block extra-sharp Cheddar cheese,, shredded
• 1 (16-ounce) package elbow macaroni,, cooked

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. 2

   Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly,for 2 minutes.

3. 3

   Stir in salt, both peppers, and granulated garlic. Gradually whisk in half-and-half and milk. Cook, whisking constantly, for 8 to 10 minutes or until thickened.

4. 4

   Stir in half of sharp Cheddar and all of extra-sharp Cheddar until smooth. Remove from heat.

5. 5

   Combine cheese mixture and pasta and pour into lightly greased 13-X-9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

6. 6

   Bake for 20 minutes. If you want a crusty top, bake for up to 15 more minutes.