Baked Mac and Cheese

Name: Baked Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons flour; 3 cups low-fat milk; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1/2 medium onion, diced; 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 5 1/2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated; 1 lb penne rigate

Submitted by e11a9332

"Delicious pasta in a creamy cheese sauce, browned cheese tops it all. Based on the Joy of Cooking recipe, added to and enhanced. Makes great leftovers."

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Ready In:: 1hr 15mins
Ingredients:: 9
Serves:: 8

ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
3 cups low-fat milk
¹⁄₂ cup dry white wine
¹⁄₂ medium onion, diced
¹⁄₈ - ¹⁄₄ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons salt
5 ¹⁄₂ ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 lb penne rigate

directions

Heat oven to 350°F.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour. Continue stirring and cook for 3 minutes. Whisk in the milk and wine thoroughly. Add the onion and cayenne and bring to a simmer. Add the salt. Simmer until thickened, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot frequently, about 5 minutes. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 4 1/2 oz cheese. Set aside.
Bring water to boil for pasta and cook for about 7 minutes. The pasta should be firm but just hydrated in the center. It will continue cooking in the oven. Drain pasta, stir in cheese sauce, and bake in the saucepan or a ceramic or enameled saucepan or dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 oz cheese over top.
Bake for 25-35 min, until the cheese is browned. If extra browning is needed set it under the broiler, watching carefully. The browned cheese will add flavor. Let cool 3-5 minutes before eating.