Family-Style Macaroni & Cheese

2 Cups elbow macaroni
2 1/2 Tablespoons butter, divided
1 1/2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups 2% milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups ( 6 ounces) shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
1/4 cup dried unflavored breadcrumbs


Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain; set aside.

Melt 1 Tablespoon butter in a small skillet. Add bread crumbs. Cook and stir until toasted, about 3 minutes. Set aside.

In medium saucepan, melt remaining butter. Add flour. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Stir in salt and pepper. Remove pan from heat. Add cheese. Stir until cheese is melted.

Stir macaroni into cheese sauce. Spoon onto individual serving plates, then sprinkle with toasted bread crumbs and serve.


Helpful Tips

As all the ingrediants are already cooked, there's no need to bake this dish, but if you like the topping extra crunchy, then pop it into a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.


Mix 'n' Match

Make this dish even heartier by dicing up leftover ham, pot roast or steak and mixing it right into the casserole.