The Classic Comfort: Good Old Fashion Mac And Cheese Recipe

Creamy mac and cheese brings back warm memories of childhood comfort.

Grandma’s secret recipe transforms simple ingredients into a nostalgic delight.

Cheesy goodness melts perfectly between tender pasta shells.

Sharp cheddar and smooth cream create a rich, velvety texture.

Crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch to every bite.

Weeknight dinners feel special with this classic dish.

You’ll want to savor every delicious spoonful and share the love.

New Styles for Mac and Cheese Lovers

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or cornstarch, using gluten-free elbow pasta to create a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Comfort Blend: Substitute dairy with cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and plant-based cheese alternatives like vegan cheddar for a creamy plant-based experience.
• Protein-Packed Power Bowl: Add diced grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, or cooked ground turkey to transform the classic recipe into a hearty protein-rich meal.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chiles, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese, then top with crushed tortilla chips for a zesty southwestern spin on traditional mac and cheese.

Satisfying Sides for Mac and Cheese

• Pair Crisp Chardonnay: Light, buttery white wine complements the creamy cheese sauce, cutting through the richness with its bright acidity and subtle oak undertones.
• Serve Hoppy IPA Beer: Bold, bitter beer creates a perfect contrast with the mac and cheese, refreshing the palate and balancing the dish's creamy texture.
• Match Tangy Sauvignon Blanc: Zesty, herbaceous white wine provides a sharp counterpoint to the heavy cheese, cleansing the mouth with its crisp, citrusy profile.
• Add Craft Amber Ale: Malty, caramel-forward beer enhances the cheese's depth, echoing the golden-brown crust and adding a warming complexity to each bite.

Smart Storage for Good Old Mac and Cheese

• Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled mac and cheese to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal carefully, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly. Prevent dryness by mixing gently.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.

Questions Answered About Old-Fashion Mac and Cheese

• Why use both sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese?

These two cheeses create a perfect balance of sharp tangy flavor from cheddar and creamy smooth texture from Monterey Jack, resulting in a more complex and rich cheese sauce.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with shells, cavatappi, or rotini to add variety and fun texture to your mac and cheese.

• How do I prevent my cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Temper the eggs carefully by slowly adding hot cream mixture while whisking, and use medium-low heat when melting cheese to ensure a smooth, silky sauce without separation.

What Makes Mac and Cheese Truly Classic

• Craft Simple Comfort: Dive into a classic mac and cheese recipe that brings pure joy with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Crowd-Pleasing Magic: Create a dish that delights everyone from picky kids to sophisticated adults, making mealtime a celebration.
• Customize Your Feast: Experiment with different cheese blends, add crispy bacon or roasted vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Stress-Free Cooking: Follow straightforward steps that guarantee a creamy, golden-topped mac and cheese without complicated techniques.

Must-Have Ingredients for Old-Fashion Mac and Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape that provides the perfect vessel for holding the creamy cheese sauce.

• Whole Milk, Heavy Cream: These ingredients create a rich and luxurious base for the cheese sauce.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: These cheeses deliver a complex, tangy flavor and smooth melting quality.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth roux for the sauce.
• Eggs: Act as a thickening agent to give the sauce a silky, custard-like texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty flavor and helps create a crispy topping.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder: These spices enhance and balance the overall flavor of the mac and cheese.
• Breadcrumbs: Add a crunchy texture to the top of the dish, creating a golden, crispy crust.
• Flour: Helps to thicken the sauce and create a smooth, creamy consistency.

Instructions for Mac and Cheese Perfection

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and create a delightful golden exterior.

Step 2: Cook Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until perfectly tender, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Create Butter Roux

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until it becomes frothy and light golden. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking continuously to develop a smooth, pale roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes to eliminate any raw flour flavor.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce Base

Slowly pour whole milk and heavy cream into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Maintain a smooth, silky texture as the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 5: Temper Egg Mixture

Carefully add a small amount of hot cream mixture to beaten eggs, whisking vigorously to prevent scrambling. Gently incorporate the tempered eggs back into the sauce, stirring until the mixture becomes rich and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Blend Cheese Sauce

• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese

Stir until the cheeses completely melt and create a smooth, velvety sauce.

Step 7: Season Cheese Sauce

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder

Mix thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 8: Combine Pasta And Cheese Sauce

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every pasta piece is generously coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 9: Prepare Baking Dish

Transfer the mac and cheese to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.

Step 10: Add Crispy Topping

• Breadcrumbs
• Grated parmesan

Sprinkle the mixture over the mac and cheese for a golden, crunchy crust.

Step 11: Bake To Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges begin to bubble with cheesy goodness.

Step 12: Rest And Serve

Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 10 minutes. This helps the sauce set and allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more delicious dish.

Best Tips for Old-School Mac and Cheese

• Prevent Pasta Clumping: Rinse cooked macaroni with cold water and toss with a little olive oil to stop sticking and maintain separate noodles.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Grate cheese at room temperature and add gradually to ensure smooth, creamy sauce without graininess or separation.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Mix in a dash of mustard powder or a splash of white wine to enhance the cheese sauce's complexity and richness.
• Texture Enhancement: Use a combination of cheeses like sharp cheddar and gruyère for more nuanced flavor and perfect melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.

Good Old Fashion Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets nostalgia in this classic good old fashion mac and cheese, a creamy symphony of perfectly melted cheeses and tender pasta. Hearty flavors whisper childhood memories while promising satisfaction that will delight your taste buds with each comforting, cheesy bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Pasta Ingredients:

• 16 oz (454 g) elbow macaroni
• 2 cups (480 ml) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (240 ml) monterey jack cheese, shredded

Dairy and Creamy Base:

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 2 large eggs

Seasoning and Optional Add-ins:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs (optional)
• 1/4 cup (30 g) parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure a perfect golden crust.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, typically 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes frothy and golden.
4. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth, pale roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
5. Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a silky sauce.
6. Temper the eggs by slowly adding a small amount of the hot cream mixture while whisking vigorously to prevent scrambling.
7. Incorporate the tempered eggs into the sauce, stirring until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
8. Remove from heat and fold in the sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until completely melted and smooth.
9. Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, mixing thoroughly.
10. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring every pasta piece is generously coated.
11. Transfer the mac and cheese to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
12. If desired, mix breadcrumbs with grated parmesan and sprinkle over the top for a crispy golden crust.
13. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
14. Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the sauce set and flavors meld.

Notes

• Prevent dry mac and cheese by using equal parts butter and flour to create a perfectly balanced roux, which helps thicken the sauce without making it too heavy or dense.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like Gruyère, fontina, or smoked gouda to add depth and complexity to the classic flavor profile while maintaining the creamy texture.
• Boost nutrition by mixing in roasted vegetables like butternut squash or cauliflower, which blend seamlessly into the cheese sauce and add extra vitamins without compromising taste.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular pasta with chickpea or rice pasta and using gluten-free flour for the roux, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comfort classic.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg