This dish is so satisfying. You can make it healthier and/or gluten free while still holding its comfort food properties. I use GF pasta and flour, homemade kefir and in place of breadcrumbs, use almond meal. Seriously, serve this to your family and you’ll gain instant points.
Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese
16 ounces pasta elbows
3 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
2 cups kefir or 2 cups milk
16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese or 16 ounces smoked cheddar cheese, cubed
2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese or 2 ounces smoked cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup breadcrumbs, plain
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Directions:
1. cook pasta according to package directions.
2. saute onion in butter until tender.
3. stir in flour, salt & pepper.
4. add milk or kefir all at once.
5. cook and stir until thickened and bubbly, then continue for 1-2 minutes more.
6. add cubed cheese, and stir til melted, OR throw onion mixture and cheese into blender and blend til smooth.
7. in a 2.5 quart casserole, mix the pasta and cheese sauce together.
8. sprinkle with EITHER shredded cheese, OR a mixture of the butter/bread crumbs/parmesan cheese.
9. bake in 350 degree oven 30-35 minutes.
10. broil at the end to brown the topping to a crisp.
