Cheddar Topped Homestyle Macaroni & Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups hot water

• 1 (14 ounce) package deluxe macaroni and cheese mix
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup crushed cracker (I use plain bread crumbs)
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted
• peas (optional)
• drained tuna (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Whisk water, cheese sauce from pouch and pepper in 1 1/2-quart casserole.

2. 2

   Stir in dry pasta and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese; cover with lid.

3. 3

   Bake at 375* for 30 minutes. Uncover; stir in sour cream.

4. 4

   In a small bowl, mix remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, crackers, and melted butter.

5. 5

   Sprinkle evenly over casserole. Bake an additional 10 minutes, uncovered.

6. 6

   Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

7. 7

   Note: I usually serve this as a main dish by adding a handful or two of slightly defrosted frozen peas and a drained can of tuna (along with the sour cream in step 3).