Cheryls Comforting Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

SPINACH MAC AND CHEESE

Steps:

• HEAT OVEN TO 400F/204C. Line 2 quart casserole with parchment paper (for easy cleanup) or spray casserole dish with oil.
• BOIL MACARONI AND SPINACH: Bring salted water to a boil in a large saucepan and add macaroni. Cook as per package directions. 3 minutes before macaroni is cooked, add frozen or fresh chopped spinach. This will slow the boil, so increase heat to medium high to finish cooking pasta to al dente which is what you want. Drain in colander and set aside.
• MAKE CHEESE SAUCE: Heat butter in saucepan on medium heat. Add flour and whisk to blend. Cook for 2 minutes. Add milk. Whisk to blend. Add salt and mustard (if using). Cook for about 5-7 minutes until thickened. Turn off heat. Mix in 2 1/2 cups (~280g) cheese, reserving remaining 1/2 cup (56g) of cheddar for topping.
• COMBINE SAUCE AND MACARONI: Add cooked macaroni and spinach to cheese sauce. Mix to combine well. Transfer to 2 quart casserole. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese casserole.
• BAKE AND SERVE: Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is golden brown on top. Serve with slaw, baked beans or tomato salad.

CHERYL'S COMFORTING MACARONI AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions.
• Drain; rinse with cold water; drain again.
• In a 12 inch skillet over medium-high heat, cook sausages until well browned on all sides and cooked through, turning frequently, about 15 minutes.
• Remove sausages to cutting board.
• In drippings remaining in the skillet over medium heat, cook pepper and onion until tender, about 8 - 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove to a large bowl.
• When sausages are cool enough to handle, cut them into 1/2-inch-thick slices; add to bowl with vegetables.
• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Grease 12x8-inch baking dish.
• In 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
• Stir in the flour; cook 1 minute.
• Whisk in the milk gradually.
• Heat to boiling, stirring frequently.
• Remove from heat.
• Stir in the cheeses, Tabasco, garlic and salt until cheese melts.
• Stir frequently.
• In a large bowl combine the sausage, macaroni, and cheese sauce.
• Spoon into prepared baking dish.
• Bake for 20 - 25 minutes until mixture is hot and bubbly.