Flamin’ Hot Mac and Cheese

• servings: 13 x 9 tray
• total time: 1 hr 30 min

Ingredients

2.5 cups macaroni

¼ cup butter (1/2 stick)

¼ cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

4 cups milk

1 lb shredded cheddar cheese (Tillamook is the best)

¼ cup butter (1/2 stick), melted for crust (can use much less)

Flamin’ hot product for crust (Ruffles are the best)

1 jalapeno, minced

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the macaroni, and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain well.

Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Whisk in milk and simmer, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

Turn off heat and stir in Cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted. Add the macaroni and jalapenos and stir to coat. Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Mix the 1/4 remaining cup melted butter and flamin’ hot product together in a bowl; scatter the crust mixture evenly over the macaroni mixture.

Bake in preheated oven until golden brown on top, about 45 minutes.