Small Batch Mac & Cheese

 My husband and I don't eat Mac & Cheese, but our granddaughter loves it.   This recipe is great for two, but easy to cut in half for one.

SMALL BATCH MAC & CHEESE

(serves 2)

Ingredients:

*1 cup dry macaroni

*1/8 teaspoon salt

*1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

*1/4 teaspoon onion powder

*1/4 teaspoon paprika (sometimes I used smoke paprika)

*1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

*1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

*1 tablespoon butter

*1 cup whole milk

*1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated

*1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, grated

*2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese

Topping Ingredients:

*2-4 tablespoons butter, melted

*1/4-1/2 cup crushed ritz crackers (about 4-6) - (or 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs)

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Spray a small casserole dish with cooking spray (I use a 10 x6 inch casserole dish)

~Cook 1 cup macaroni in boiling water until al dente.

~Drain pasta and set aside.

~In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour,  1/8 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder,  1/4 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning until well combined.

~In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over low heat.

~Whisk in 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, and seasoning mixture for about 45-60 seconds.

~Slowly whisk in 1 cup whole milk and continue whisking until mixture has thickened up.

~Stir in 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, and 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese until cheese has melted.

~Mix in macaroni until well combined.

~Pour into prepared casserole dish.

Topping Directions:

~In a small bowl, mix 2-4 tablespoons melted butter and 1/4-1/2 cup crushed ritz crackers or Italian seasoning together until well combined.

~Sprinkle evenly over top of macaroni.

~Bake for 15-25 minutes or until topping is a golden brown and bubbly.