
This is one of the best dishes to make when you want to bring something to the barbeque or when you want to show you care by dropping off something thoughtful to someone who’s struggling. Divide this recipe into multiple smaller portioned serving dishes or simply fill that big old casserole dish and store the leftovers, they won’t be there for long I promise!
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Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: up to 37 minutes
- Total Time: up to 52 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 9×13 Glass baking dish– I like this set because the price is right for a while set and they provide covers for each one which I like for transporting dishes.
- Measuring cups & spoons– Most convenient set I’ve had with multiple measurements provided per cup. If you do a lot of cooking and baking, you’ll understand.
- Pasta pot
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 1/2 tsp dry mustard
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 lb. elbow macaroni (rotini will also work well)
- 3 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, about 12 oz. *This works best if you shred yourself- but use shredded if that is what you have.
- 1 cup plus 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- In your saucepan melt 6 tbsp butter over low-med heat, add flour and cook the roux for 3 minutes while whisking.
- Slowly add milk while whisking to avoid clumps and bring to a boil.
- Add spices, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to taste, whisking occasionally until thickened (about 2 minutes)
- In the pasta pot of salted boiling water cook pasta about 7 minutes or al dente.
- In a large bowl combine, strained pasta, shredded cheese, and sauce (roux)
- Mix until fully incorporated and transfer to baking dish(s)
- In a small bowl combine remaining parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle evenly over pasta.
- Cut up remaining 2 tbsp of butter and evenly distribute over pasta dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden & bubbling

Save this recipe Pin 📌 and be ready for your next BBQ invite!
Final Thoughts
This craveworthy recipe is worth saving and it might just replace the competition…I believe it but you’re the judge. Try it today or save it for your next cookout and let your friends be the judge, they’ll be looking for the recipe for sure, send them the link- 💛🌿Hey Ivy