The Best Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe You’ll Adore

Crafting the perfect good old fashion mac and cheese requires more than just mixing ingredients.

Passionate home cooks know this classic comfort dish demands attention to detail.

Creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta create a nostalgic symphony of flavors.

Generations have cherished this simple yet remarkable meal that brings warmth to any dinner table.

Subtle nuances like selecting the right cheese blend can elevate your culinary creation.

Crispy breadcrumb topping adds delightful texture that makes each bite irresistible.

You will fall in love with this timeless recipe that promises pure deliciousness.

Why Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese Is a Timeless Favorite

• Savor Classic Comfort: Dive into a nostalgic mac and cheese experience that brings back warm memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding crispy bacon, breadcrumbs, or your favorite herbs to make this classic dish uniquely yours.
• Master Family-Friendly Cooking: Perfect for picky eaters and comfort food lovers, this recipe guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies all ages.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: An ideal dish for potlucks, game nights, and casual get-togethers that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Key Ingredients in Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese

• Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for holding creamy cheese sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and flavorful cheese that provides the primary cheese taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds creamy melting texture and stretchy cheese experience.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create smooth sauce consistency.
• Evaporated Milk, Milk: Creates a creamy and smooth base for the mac and cheese.
• Eggs: Helps bind ingredients and provides structure to the casserole.

• Garlic Salt, Paprika: Enhances overall flavor and provides a subtle spice and color to the dish.

How to Make Classic Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 375°F. Coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add macaroni and cook until tender but still firm. Drain the pasta and return to the pot.

Step 3: Add Butter Goodness

Toss the warm pasta with butter, ensuring each noodle gets coated and the butter melts completely.

Step 4: Create Creamy Liquid Base

• Evaporated milk
• Regular milk
• Eggs
• Garlic salt

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and uniform.

Step 5: Prepare Cheese Blend

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Mix the cheeses thoroughly.

Step 6: Layer Mac and Cheese

• First layer of macaroni
• First layer of cheese mixture

Repeat until all ingredients are used.

Step 7: Pour and Season

Drizzle the milk mixture evenly across the top. Sprinkle paprika over the surface for extra flavor and color.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the dish set and makes cutting easier.

Insider Tips for Creamy and Delicious Mac and Cheese

• Choose sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense, tangy flavor that elevates the classic mac and cheese taste.
• Allow mac and cheese to rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier without falling apart.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère or gouda to add complexity and depth to the traditional recipe.
• Use whole milk for a creamier texture and richer taste compared to low-fat alternatives.
• Avoid overcooking pasta during the initial boiling stage to prevent mushy mac and cheese; aim for al dente texture for the best results.

Flavor Variations to Try With Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese

• Southwestern Spice Blast: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Bacon Lover's Dream: Crisp and crumble bacon throughout the layers, mix in some bacon bits with the cheese mixture for extra smoky flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate crumbled feta, chopped fresh basil, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Protein Power Mac: Mix in cooked ground turkey or shredded chicken, use whole wheat pasta for added nutrition and hearty texture.

Pairing Suggestions to Serve with Mac and Cheese

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy richness of mac and cheese, balancing its heavy texture with bright, citrusy notes.
• Complement with Refreshing Side Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to provide a fresh contrast to the hearty pasta dish.
• Match with Crunchy Garlic Bread: Serve toasted garlic bread on the side to add a crispy texture and complementary garlic flavor that enhances the overall meal experience.
• Select Robust Red Wine: For red wine lovers, a medium-bodied Pinot Noir offers subtle fruit notes that harmonize beautifully with the cheesy, comforting mac and cheese.

Best Storage Practices for Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese

• Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled mac and cheese to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Stays good for up to 2 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place mac and cheese in baking dish, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding splash of milk to prevent drying.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Add small amount of milk to restore creamy texture. Stir until evenly heated.

FAQs About Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese

• Can I use different types of cheese in this mac and cheese recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar and mozzarella with other melting cheeses like monterey jack, gruyere, or gouda for varied flavor profiles.

• Is this mac and cheese recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe uses regular macaroni. To make it gluten-free, you’ll need to use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• How can I make this mac and cheese more nutritious?

Add steamed vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach during the layering process to increase nutritional value and add more texture to the dish.

Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort classics reach new heights with this good old fashion mac and cheese, blending rich cheddar and creamy textures into a soul-warming dish. Cheesy pasta perfection delivers nostalgic flavors that draw families together around the dinner table, promising delicious memories in every comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3 cups dry elbow macaroni

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 (370 milliliters/12 ounces) cans evaporated milk
• 1/3 cup milk of choice
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 large eggs

Seasonings:

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook macaroni until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Drain pasta thoroughly and return to the pot. Incorporate butter, stirring until completely melted and coating each noodle.
4. Whisk evaporated milk, regular milk, eggs, and garlic salt in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well integrated.
5. Combine cheddar and mozzarella cheeses in a separate bowl, creating a rich, mixed cheese blend.
6. Create alternating layers in the prepared baking dish: spread one-third of the macaroni, followed by one-third of the cheese mixture. Repeat this layering process two more times.
7. Carefully pour the milk mixture evenly across the top, ensuring complete coverage of the pasta and cheese layers.
8. Dust the surface with a light sprinkle of paprika for added color and subtle flavor enhancement.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges that indicate perfect doneness.
10. Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps set the creamy texture before serving.

Notes

• Choose elbow macaroni with ridges to help cheese sauce cling better and create more delicious texture.
• Grate cheese freshly instead of using pre-shredded varieties for smoother, creamier melting and richer flavor profile.
• Avoid overcooking pasta during initial boiling to prevent mushy texture when baking; aim for firm al dente consistency.
• Experiment with cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or fontina for more complex and depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 722
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 830 mg
• Fat: 46 g
• Saturated Fat: 27 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg