Prepare elbow noodles in a large stock pot; cook for 9 minutes; drain and return to stockpot
Cheese Sauce Instructions
In a large pan on medium heat, add butter; once butter has melted, gradually add flour; whisk
Once flour and butter are combined, gradually add milk, whisking constantly
Turn the heat to medium low
Gradually add cheese and continue to stir; if sauce looks too thick, add more milk-See Recipe Notes: Milk
Add onion powder, dried mustard, vinegar, ground pepper and Louisiana hot sauce (optional); combine well
Pour cheese sauce over cooked pasta; combine and taste for salt; add more if desired
Serve from the stove top-OR-if you want a crispy topping, pour macaroni and cheese into a lightly oiled baking dish
Turn oven to Broil setting; place baking dish on middle rack; broil until top begins to crisp and brown
Notes
Milk:The amount of milk determines how thick or thin the cheese sauce will be. After you melt the butter and add the flour, add one cup of milk. Then add shredded cheese in increments. At this point, the mixture may be thicker than you like. If so, add another cup of milk. It's best to add the milk in half or one-cup increments.