Macaroni and Cheese with Buttery Crumbs

It is hard to believe that my Alex (my oldest) will be 11 in two days.

It seems like yesterday I was sitting at our kitchen table in Atlanta waiting to go to the hospital. I remember being terrified.

I wish I could go back and tell my younger self to relax – he was going to be amazing, and even my novice parenting couldn’t mess that up.

Kids this age are so much fun. I love our conversations, his many questions and how he’s changed into such a little man this past year.

One of the biggest changes I particularly love is his self-sufficiency in the kitchen. I’ve been working with both the boys to teach them how to cook, and Alex has taken the lead here. He has even made me dinner on occasion.

Recently, I taught him to make his favorite dish – “Mom’s World Famous” Macaroni and Cheese with Buttery Crumbs. To make this easier and to save time, I head to Walmart to purchase Progresso™ Bread Crumbs to keep on hand. They help to make sure the crumbs are consistently tasty.

I’ve been making the dish for birthday’s and holiday family meals for years and this year is no exception. Although Alex can make it, no one should have to cook on their birthday, am I right?

This special occasion-worthy dish is loved by kids and adults alike. My parents have both been known to request it on their birthdays and holidays.

Of course, the options for using Progresso™ Bread Crumbs don’t end here! It is great in Chicken Parmesan, Meatballs, Meatloaf and more!

What is Your Favorite Way to Use Breadcrumbs?

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Macaroni and Cheese with Buttery Crumbs

Author Wendy Polisi

Ingredients

• 16 ounces elbow noodles
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 pounds sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Buttery Crumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2/3 cup Progresso Bread Crumbs

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13 x 9 baking dish with olive oil.
2. Cook pasta in salted water according to package direction.
3. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook, stirring often, for 3 to 4 minutes, until golden brown. Whisk in milk until well combined and cook until slightly thickened, about 8 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in cheese. Cook until melted then add in Dijon mustard, salt, pepper and cayenne. Stir until well combined.
5. When pasta is cooked, toss with cheese sauce. Transfer to prepared pan.
6. Melt butter in a small saucepan. Toss with crumbs and sprinkle on top of pasta.
7. Bake for 35 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Progresso™ The opinions and text are all mine.