Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Here is my favorite recipe for homemade Mac and Cheese.

1/2 pound elbow macaroni

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

1 tablespoon powdered mustard

3 cups milk

1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 large egg

12 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded (I used Medium cheddar)

1 teaspoon salt

Black Pepper

Topping:

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1 cup bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook the pasta just until done.

While the pasta is cooking, in another pan melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes. Make sure it is free of lumps. Stir in the milk, onion and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes. Temper in the egg. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese. Season with Salt and pepper. Fold in the cooked noodles and pour into a 2 quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.

Mix together melted butter and bread crumbs. Spinkle on top of the macaroni. Bake for 30 minutes.