Ultimate Mac N Cheese Casserole For Two Recipes

CREAMY MACARONI & CHEESE - FOR TWO OR ONE

Steps:

• Preheat oven at 350°F.
• Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al-dente. Drain and set aside.
• Heat the milk in the microwave, on high for 1-1/2 minutes.
• In a medium saucepan, melt butter. Add salt, pepper and chopped onion. Sauté on medium heat, until the onion is transparent and soft, but not brown.
• Sprinkle the flour on top, and allow the butter to absorb some of it before stirring.
• Add the hot milk in 3 additions, stirring constantly. The mixture will get thick very quickly.
• After the final addition of milk, continue heating the mixture, on medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and bubbly.
• *Remove from heat* and stir in the grated cheese, chives and red pepper flakes.
• Add the drained pasta and mix well.
• Fold in the cubed cheese.
• Pour into two greased onion soup bowls.
• Bake for 20 - 25 minutes.
• Allow to cool a bit before serving.

ULTIMATE MAC AND CHEESE

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cook macaroni in large saucepan as directed on package for al dente pasta. Rinse under cold water; drain well.
• 2. Melt butter in same saucepan on medium heat. Sprinkle with flour and seasonings. Cook and stir 2 minutes or until well blended. Gradually stir in milk until smooth. Stirring constantly, cook 3 minutes or until sauce starts to thicken. Stir in cheese until melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Add macaroni; toss gently to coat. Pour into greased 13x9-inch baking dish. Mix panko and paprika; sprinkle evenly over top.
• 3. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.