Pioneer Mac & Cheese

This is a classic Mac & Cheese, perfect for making for a get together with family & friends.  Kids and adults love it!

INGREDIENTS

4 cups dried macaroni
1 whole egg, beaten
1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk or heavy whipping cream
2 heaping teaspoons dry mustard
1 pound sharp Cheddar, grated (not pre-grated cheese), plus more for baking
1 tsp salt
1 tsp Seasoned salt
1 tsp ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Cook the macaroni until still slightly firm. Drain and set aside.

In a small bowl, beat the egg. In a large pot, melt the butter and sprinkle in the flour. Whisk together over medium-low heat. Cook for a couple of minutes, whisking constantly. Don't let it burn. Pour in the milk, add the mustard and whisk until smooth. Cook until very thick, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low.

Take 1/4 cup of the sauce and slowly pour it into the beaten egg, whisking constantly to avoid cooking the eggs. Whisk together until smooth. Pour the egg into the sauce, whisking constantly. Stir until smooth. Add in the cheese and stir to melt. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt and the pepper. Add any additional spices if desired. Taste the sauce and add more salt and seasoned salt as needed – be sure not to undersalt.

Pour in the drained, cooked macaroni and stir to combine. Serve immediately or pour into a buttered baking dish, top with extra cheese and bake until bubbly and golden on top, 30 minutes.