Southern Style Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
16 ounces penne pasta
1/3 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup all purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 each bay leaf
1/4 each onion
8 oz white cheddar cheese, shredded
8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
2 oz jack cheese, shredded
1 oz asiago cheese, shredded
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
2 ounces jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to package directions until very al dente (2 minutes less than directed time).
2. Melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes until it begins to smell nutty, but does not start to brown.
3. Gradually add milk into flour/butter mixture (roux), whisking constantly to make a smooth sauce. Add the bay leaf and the onion. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until no flour taste remains, stirring often. Reduce heat.
4. Add cheeses and spices to the sauce and stir until cheeses have melted and sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste
5. Combine pasta and cheese sauce and blend to mix. Pour into a prepared 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle with second listed cheeses. Bake for 30 minutes uncovered until bubbly and edges begin to brown. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.