TWO-CHEESE MAC 'N CHEESE

Two-Cheese Mac 'n Cheese image

A lot of stories claim that mac and cheese was created by Thomas Jefferson, Marco Polo or the cooks of China. My favorite theory? An Italian housewife invented it to introduce non-Italian Americans to macaroni. -Stephanie Sorbie, Glendale, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h5m

Yield 15 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) spiral pasta
3 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced, optional
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Dash salt
4 cups 2% milk
5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup shredded Asiago cheese

Steps:

In a Dutch oven, cook pasta according to package directions. , Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic if desired; cook and stir for 1 minute. Stir in flour, pepper and salt until blended; cook and stir until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook 2 minutes longer or until thickened. , Remove from heat. Stir in 4 cups cheddar cheese and Asiago cheese until melted. Mixture will thicken. , Preheat oven to 350°. Drain pasta; stir in cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese., Bake, uncovered, 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 331 calories, Fat 17g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 58mg cholesterol, Sodium 306mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 16g protein.