Cheesy Cheez-It Mac & Cheese - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
16 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
2 cups Cheez-It crackers, crushed

Preparation

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Melt butter in saucepan over low heat; whisk in flour, and cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute or until mixture is smooth. Increase heat to medium; gradually whisk in 2 cups milk, and cook, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Stir in cheese, stirring until cheese is melted. Remove pan from heat.
Stir pasta, and ground black pepper into cheese mixture; spoon into a lightly greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Spread crushed Cheez-it crackers on top.
Bake uncovered at 375\u00b0F for 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated.