Baked Mac N' Cheese

Tonight for dinner we made this Baked Mac N' Cheese and it was EXCELLENT! Glen absolutely loved it, so I guess I'll have to make it a lot more often. I found this recipe on my mom's student teachers recipe blog here. The only change we did, was adding italian bread crumbs on top of the cheese before putting it in the oven. Glen really likes it when it's crispy, so it was a good addition. E.N.J.O.Y.

BAKED MAC N' CHEESE

2 slices of bacon (optional)
8 ounces penne pasta (or pasta of your choice)
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook pasta and drain when done. In the mean time (if making it with bacon), place bacon in a large, skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble, and set aside.In the skillet, saute the chopped onion, and minced garlic. Take off heat and add chopped cooked bacon and set aside. In the mean time (to make the sauce), in a medium saucepan melt the butter or margarine over low heat. Once melted, add the flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes. Gradually add milk and continue stirring until thickened. Stir in 2 cups of the grated cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Combine everything except 1 cup of cheese. Pour into a 2 quart (square) casserole dish. Add the last cup of grated cheddar cheese to top of mixture. Bake uncovered until cheese on top is melted and brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. Serve warm.

**Thanks Lindsey!!**