Baked Jersey Gold Mac and Cheese!

1.Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2.Cook the penne according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

3.In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter then add the flour and whisk until blended. Cook for one minute while continuing to whisk. Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously until blended and smooth. Increase heat to medium-high and bring mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally until thickened; about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheeses one handful at a time until melted in between each addition; about 3 minutes total. Remove from heat then season with garlic powder, salt and pepper then stir in cooked penne noodles until coated in sauce; about 1 minute more. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish then smoothen out top surface with spoon or spatula if desired before baking.

4.Bake for 25 minutes or until top begins to brown lightly around edges; center should still appear slightly soft when done baking as it will firm up after removed from oven.. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving warm with additional grated cheese on top if desired, enjoy!