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1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
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2
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook macaroni just until al dente; drain well when done.
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3
While the pasta is boiling, melt the 1/4-cup butter in a large pot over medium heat, then whisk in the flour whisk until smooth, about a minute.
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4
Whisk in milk, then cream cheese (its easier if you cube it up first, trust me), then the salt, pepper, mustard and cayenne.
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5
A few shakes of hot sauce can be substituted for the cayenne, but please do either it doesnt make it hot or spicy, but does add flavour.
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6
Keep cooking and whisking until sauce is thickened about three or four minutes.
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7
You dont have to be anal about the whisking but do do it frequently.
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8
Turn off burner; if using an electric stove, make sure you move the pot off the hot burner.
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9
Cut the block of cheddar into half-inch cubes, then stir in the cheddar and drained macaroni to the sauce and combine well.
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10
If adding ham or kielbasa, stir in now.
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11
Pour pasta mixture into a casserole sprayed with Pam.
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12
In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and sprinkle over top.
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13
Dust with paprika if desired.
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14
Its pretty!
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15
Bake for only 15-20 minutes, or until top is golden brown and casserole is heated through.
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16
Enjoy!
