This time of year when we all have more company than usual or we are invited to a few pot-luck dinners, it’s always great to have a “for sure” crowd pleasing dish. Mac and Cheese is a favorite by everyone, so a really special recipe is a fabulous tool to have in your arsenal.
Company Mac & Cheese
Simple ingredients that you probably have in your pantry and fridge all the time.
16oz. elbow macaroni
1/2 c. butter or margarine
3 tbs. flour
1 heaping tsp. course ground dijon mustard (if you want that bright yellow look, substitute 1 tsp of mustard powder)
l med. onion – chopped
2 c. milk
2 1/2 c. cheese – (your favorite kind. I use 1 1/2 c Mild Cheddar and 1 c. sharp cheddar)
Cook macaroni in salted boiling water, drain and set aside.
In a large sauce pan, add about 2 tbls. of oil and saute chopped onion until soft and translucent. Remove to a small bowl and set aside.
Melt 1/4 c. butter in sauce pan and add 3 tbls. of flour, salt and pepper and cook until smooth and bubbly, gradually stir in 2 c. milk and heaping tsp. mustard. Stirring constantly bring to a boil and mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
Add the sauteed onion in along with 2 1/2 c. cheese and stir until cheese is melted and mixture is smooth. Add macaroni into the pot and mix well. (If mixture is too thick, you can add more milk. Mixture should be about the consistency of gravy, it will thicken more as you bake)
Pour into sprayed or buttered casserole baking dish. Top with 1/4 c. butter diced small.. Sprinkle top lightly with 1/3 c. Panko bread crumbs and 1/3 c. Crispy Fried Onions.
Cover with foil. This will keep in the fridge for a couple of days, so you can cook when you need it. If I am making this as a main dish I usually sprinkle crispy crumbled bacon over the top or stir some diced leftover ham into your noodle mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes until hot and bubbly, remove foil and cook until crumbs are nicely browned.
I love having dishes that I can make ahead and cook when I need them.
This is a tested and guaranteed crowd pleaser and something I think you will want to make often.
Now for the best part – – -The Winner of the 6 Black/Gold Foil lined Chandy Lampshades is- –
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