Mac & Cheese Bake

I haven't made a mac & cheese from scratch before. So hopefully this turns out good.  I'll let you know... 

Here is the recipe:

• 3 cups Elbow Macaroni
• 8 tbsp Butter
• 6 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 3 cups Milk
• 2 1/2 cups Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese
• 1 package Ritz Crackers crushed up (mixed in 3 tbsp melted butter)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan Cheese

Preheat oven to 375° 

Cook macaroni according to the package.  While it's cooking, in a saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, salt, pepper and onion powder. Mix until heated and well combined (a couple minutes). Slowly whisk in the milk. Turn up the heat and bring to a boil and then cook a couple minutes until thickened. Turn down the heat and add in the Cheddar Jack cheese. Cook until well combined and melted. Drain the pasta and put in a 13 x 9 baking dish. Add the sauce and mix well. In a separate bowl melt 3 tbsp butter. Add in the ritz crackers and mix to coat in the butter. Top the Mac & Cheese with the Parmesan cheese then the crackers. Cook for 25 - 30 minutes, or until crackers are browned and it’s bubbly. Pull out and let cool about 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite sides.

Variations:

Add cooked chopped chicken or crispy bacon.

I was so busy trying to get everything made, that this is the only picture I took. 🤦🏻‍♀️ I’ll have to add more the next time I make it.