Mom's Best Mac 'n Cheese...with Bacon

Everyone love's mom's mac 'n cheese.  It's comfort food 101.  Now, I'm assuming that every family has a "Mom's Best Mac 'n Cheese."  If you don't, then you're in for a treat.  My mom cooked most week nights.  She had some staples that we grew up with that I still love today.  There are some variations you can do...I've added bacon here....because bacon makes everything better!

INGREDIENTS

• 2c pasta - elbows, penne, or any other that you love
• 3tbl butter
• 2tbl flour
• ground pepper - to taste
• 2c shredded sharp cheddar
• 2c milk

PREPARATION

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook the pasta to the package specifications.  Strain and let sit in the sink.  Using the same pot that you used to cook the pasta, melt butter and add flour.  Mix in milk, cheese, and pepper until cheese is melted.  Add cooked pasta and mix well.  Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 pan.  

I topped it with a little extra shredded cheese and bacon.  You can also crunch up potato chips or add bread crumbs for crunch.  The variations are endless!

Lastly, pop it in the oven at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes and serve!!