Macaroni and Cheese Casserole...by Upstate Sc Grub Hub

One great Casserole...

Macaroni and Cheese has always been a staple in most families diets for as long as I can remember. Recently, I've noticed this relatively simple dish become quite popular in all aspects of the culinary world. 5 cheese macaroni dishes, Smoked Gouda, even Gorgonzola has snuck into the picture...this recipe is simple, hearty and most satisfying to all who indulge in this wonderful dish. I have to admit, I was more apt to make my Macaroni and Cheese dishes on the creamy side...lots of cheese, milk, butter...you get the picture. Most casserole varieties I have tried in the past seemed somewhat dry, even crunchy...I just never took to them, but this recipe nails it. It's got the perfect flavor, texture and it's not dry....my wife has done it again !! I urge you to try this...you probably will not have much left over, but if you do it is freezable. Cut the casserole into squares and freeze them. When re-heating, put the casserole square into your toaster oven (or regular oven), on 375*...and bake for 15 minutes.
Ingredients :
8 oz. Elbow Macaroni
1/3 Stick Butter
12 oz. Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Grated)
4 Eggs
2 1/2 Cups Milk
3/4 Teaspoon Salt
****2 Cups Ham (Diced) (OPTIONAL)
For SC Grub Hub topping :
1 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs
1/3 Stick Butter (melted)
Grease a 2 Quart Casserole dish. Cook macaroni, drain and mix with butter. After Butter melts in pasta, layer casserole dish(with a few layers) with pasta and Cheddar Cheese, beginning with pasta. In medium bowl, beat Eggs, Milk and Salt. ****Add Ham if desired. Pour mix into the casserole dish over your layers of pasta and cheese.
Bake in pre-heated 350* oven for 45 minutes. With a few minutes to go, in a bowl, mix Panko Breadcrumbs and melted butter. When 45 minutes is up, remove Casserole from oven and sprinkle Panko mixture evenly over Casserole. Set oven on Broil and bake until light brown...this should only take a minute or two. Remove from oven and serve.
Enjoy !!!