If you ask me to name my ultimate comfort food, Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese jumps to the top of my list every single time. This classic American recipe delivers everything you crave: tender macaroni blanketed in a silky, melty cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection with an irresistible, bubbly top. Whether you’re seeking a heartwarming main course or a crowd-pleasing side dish, there’s something magical about this nostalgic favorite that brings smiles around the table. Let’s dive into how to make your very own batch of pure, cheesy bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese lies in its simplicity—every ingredient pulls its weight to create that signature creamy, cozy flavor and golden finish. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few helpful tips to get every bite just right:
- Elbow macaroni (8 oz): Classic shape that’s just perfect for grabbing all that rich, cheesy sauce in each bite.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Forms the rich, buttery base for the roux, giving depth and silkiness to the sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Whisked with butter to thicken the sauce—no lumps, no fuss.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Brings the dreamy creaminess, so use whole milk for the best texture.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): Sharpness keeps things flavorful, and pre-shredded works if you’re in a hurry.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds a salty, nutty note that makes the sauce sing.
- Dijon mustard (½ tsp): Just the tiniest tang to boost and round out the cheese flavors—don’t skip it!
- Garlic powder (¼ tsp): For that gentle hint of savoriness, perfectly subtle in the mix.
- Paprika (¼ tsp): Sprinkles in color and brings a touch of warmth to the background.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season—taste as you go to hit that sweet spot!
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup, optional): For those who adore a crunchy, golden top, this simple finishing touch is everything.
How to Make Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—this helps guarantee an even bake. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish so nothing sticks later. Set out all your ingredients within reach; this makes for smooth, stress-free cooking as you build your Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese.
Step 2: Boil the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente—the pasta should still have a little bite, since it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce (Roux Base)
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk steadily for about 1–2 minutes, until you have a smooth, bubbly roux. The goal here is to cook out that raw flour taste while building a stable base for your cheese sauce.
Step 4: Add the Milk and Thicken the Sauce
Gradually pour the whole milk into your roux while whisking continuously. This keeps the sauce lump-free and silky. Keep stirring as it gently simmers and thickens, about 5 minutes—the sauce should coat the back of a spoon when it’s ready.
Step 5: Create the Ultimate Cheese Sauce
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything melts smoothly into a luscious, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning to get it just right—it should taste crave-worthy all on its own!
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Pour your drained macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir to coat every noodle. The transformation into Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese is well under way—just make sure every piece is generously coated for maximum flavor in every forkful.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. If you’re a fan of texture, scatter those breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a golden crunch. Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is beautifully bubbly and lightly golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before digging in—if you can wait that long!
How to Serve Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
Give your Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese a little extra love at the table—think freshly chopped parsley for a pop of green, a sprinkle of smoked paprika for depth, or even a handful of crispy fried onions for added crunch and savor.
Side Dishes
This all-star dish can play main or side equally well! Try it alongside roasted vegetables, tangy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad to balance out the gooey richness. For bolder pairings, baked beans or barbecued chicken make the whole meal memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not scoop individual portions into ramekins for a dinner party, or pack Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese into cute muffin tins as a fun appetizer at gatherings? It’s even delicious spooned into hollowed peppers or served for brunch with a fried egg on top!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay creamy and satisfying for up to 4 days—ideal for easy lunches and midnight snacks alike.
Freezing
To freeze, let your mac and cheese cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe dish or portions. Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. For the best texture, freeze before baking if possible—just assemble, skip the oven, and you’ll have a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience later.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm smaller portions in the microwave with a splash of milk, or reheat a full baking dish in a 350°F oven, covered, until heated through. If it looks a bit dry, stirring in a little extra milk before reheating brings back that irresistible, creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While elbows are traditional for Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese, shells, cavatappi, or rotini all hold onto the gooey cheese sauce beautifully—just check pasta doneness as shapes may vary in cooking time.
What’s the secret to a super creamy sauce?
The key to luxurious creaminess is whisking your roux well, using full-fat whole milk, and freshly grating your cheese for ultra-smooth melting. Don’t rush the cheese sauce stage, and always add cheese off the heat for a glossy finish.
Can I make this gluten-free?
You sure can! Substitute gluten-free elbow pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the roux. Double-check your breadcrumbs or leave them off for a gluten-free version of Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese.
What are some fun mix-ins?
Try stirring cooked bacon or diced ham into the pasta before baking for a meaty twist, or pile in roasted broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh spinach to sneak in some veggies—Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese is as versatile as you like!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish and keep an eye on bake time, as a bigger batch may need a few extra minutes to get bubbly and hot throughout. It’s a true party-pleaser in any quantity.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese always delivers. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it a staple at your table. There’s really nothing quite like scooping into that golden, cheesy goodness—so let’s make some memories, one bubbling pan at a time!
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Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, this classic dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Topping:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Cook Macaroni: Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk, and cook until thickened. Remove from heat, add cheeses, mustard, spices, salt, and pepper.
- Combine and Bake: Mix cheese sauce with macaroni, pour into baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs (if using), and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a creamier stovetop version, skip the baking step.
- Enhance with cooked bacon, ham, or vegetables.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations for varied flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course or Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
