Baked Macaroni and Cheese

I have a really good baked macaroni and cheese pie in my recipe collection.  Unfortunately the last time I made it the kids did not eat much.  So I am on the hunt for a different one that the kids might enjoy.  It is also a wonderful excuse to try and experiment with something new.  I found and adapted this recipe on Big, Bold, Beautiful Food.  This one is not a pie, but rather a baked version of stove top macaroni and cheese.

I most definitely enjoyed the taste much better baked than just making it on a stove top.  However for me, it still does not hold a candle to a baked macaroni and cheese pie.  Bottom line is that both kids ate a healthy serving.  So it seems I met my objective!  Perhaps, to satisfy my cravings, I might sneak in an egg into it next time!

Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
1/2 pound macaroni or penne
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 cup milk
1 can evaporated milk (370 ml)
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
12 ounces cheddar or other cheeses, shredded
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions:
1)  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2)  Cook pasta in salted water until al dente.  Drain but don't rinse.  Place in a medium casserole dish, along with a little butter so the pasta doesn't stick together.
3)  In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat.  Add flour and mix into the butter with a whisk. Cook for a few minutes over medium-low heat to cook the floury taste out.
4)  Increase heat to medium and slowly add milk a little at a time, whisking to incorporate. Go slowly, adding 1/4 cup at a time at first, whisking continuously, and then 1/2 a cup at a time, so that the flour has a chance to absorb the liquid and your sauce will be smooth.  Add the evaporated milk and stir.
5)  Add mustard, salt and pepper to taste. Slowly whisk in cheeses. Taste and adjust seasonings.
6)  Add pasta to the sauce and mix together. It should be saucy. Add the pasta and sauce to the casserole dish.
7)  Cook in the oven for 30 minutes or until it's browned on top and bubbling on the edges. If it's bubbling but not fully browned, you can put the dish under the broiler to quickly brown the top.