Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Description:

This rich and creamy variation of macaroni and cheese is truly southern! Perfect for a special holiday side dish, this recipe will please the whole crowd

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 slices of Bacon *optional

1. Step 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
2. Step 2. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside *optional
3. Step 3. In a large pot with boiling salted water cook pasta until al dente. Drain.
4. Step 4. In a medium skillet saute the chopped onion, and minced garlic. Take off heat and add chopped cooked bacon and set aside.
5. Step 5. To make the sauce, in a medium saucepan melt the butter or margarine over low heat. Once melted, add the flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes. Gradually add milk and continue stirring until thickened. Stir in 2 cups of the grated Cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
6. Step 6. Combine cooked pasta, sauteed vegetables and sauce. Pour into a 2 quart casserole dish. Add the last cup of grated Cheddar cheese to top of mixture.
7. Step 7. Combine cooked pasta, sauteed vegetables and sauce. Pour into a 2 quart casserole dish. Add the last cup of grated Cheddar cheese to top of mixture.