Recipe: Freezer Cooking Three Cheese Macaroni Bake {OAMC}

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions ending the cooking at the al dente stage and even slightly undercooked.
2. Drain and set aside
3. Meanwhile in a large saucepan over medium heat melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and mustard powder, stirring constantly to keep from burning. Cook 2 minutes.
4. Gradually add warm milk , stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Use the side of the pan to smash any lumps that may form.
5. Stir in onion, bay leaf, and paprika and increase the heat to medium-high. Bring the sauce just to a boil and then reduce to low and allow to simmer for 15 minutes. Stir every few minutes to keep the sauce from burning and to incorporate any skin that forms on the top.
6. Remove the sauce from the heat and remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the cream cheese and 5 cups of the grated cheese (keep one cup in reserve).
7. Once the cheese is melted and incorporated, add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Run the prepared pasta under hot water to separate, drain again, then combine with sauce.  Add black olives.
9. Spray two 8×8″ pans (or equivalent) with vegetable spray and separate the pasta between pans.
10. Top with reserved cheese.
11. Bake at 375 for 30 minutes or until lightly browned and heated through OR freeze and bake from frozen state for 1hr at 375.