Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni, cook for 8 - 9 minutes. Strain and set aside.

Step 3

In a heavy-bottomed large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.

Step 4

Sprinkle the flour, white pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper over the melted butter, whisking until smooth and the mixture has thickened slightly.

Step 5

Stir in the milk 1/2 cup at a time ( feel free to eyeball it ), only adding the next half cup once the previous one has been incorporated entirely.

Step 6

Add all of the medium cheddar cheese and half of the extra sharp cheddar cheese, stir into the milk/flour sauce until melted. Stir in the macaroni.

Step 7

Pour into a 3 quart baking dish. Top with the remaining extra sharp cheddar cheese.

Step 8

Bake at 375 F for 30 minutes.