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The recipe I use for homemade Macaroni and Cheese is very simple and easy to make. Most people usually have the ingredients already in their kitchen. I like to grate my cheese fresh from a block of cheese when I make it but it works just as well with the shredded cheese you can buy in the grocery stores. The entire time to make and cook is approx 15 minutes about the same time it takes you to make the box macaroni and cheese.

6 ounces dried macaroni noodles
4 tbsps butter (split into 2 tbsps each)
2 tbsps flour
1 1/4 cups milk
1 cup shredded Sharp cheddar cheese (can be mild or extra sharp your preference)
1/4 cup dried fine bread crumbs (unseasoned)
2 tbsps grated Parmesan cheese
pinch nutmeg (optional)
pinch red pepper (optional)

Boil the macaroni noodles according to package directions and drain. While the macaroni noodles are cooking melt 2 tbsps of butter in a saucepan. When melted mix in flour well and cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly add milk to flour mixture and mix well. Add nutmeg and red pepper if you like (adds a little for flavor). Cook about 4-5 minutes or until milk begins to thicken. Add grated cheese and cook until all of the cheese is melted. Melt other 2 tbsps of butter in microwave. When done add bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese to form a bread crumb topping. Mix the macaroni and cheese sauce together. Pour into individual oven proof dishes. Top each dish with bread crumb topping. Cook at 500 degrees for 5-6 until top is lightly browned.