The Creamiest Good Old Fashion Mac And Cheese Recipe

Crafting a nostalgic mac and cheese recipe brings comfort straight to your kitchen table.

Childhood memories flood back with each creamy, golden bite.

Generations have cherished this classic dish for its simple, satisfying goodness.

Perfectly blended cheeses create a luxurious texture that melts hearts instantly.

Crispy breadcrumb toppings add a delightful crunch to every forkful.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings will never be the same once you master this timeless favorite.

You’ll want to savor every delicious moment of this ultimate comfort food.

Why Good Old Fashion Mac And Cheese Is Still The Best

• Comfort Food Champion: Classic mac and cheese delivers pure satisfaction with its creamy cheese sauce and golden crispy topping, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for all ages.
• Simple Cooking Adventure: Straightforward steps and basic ingredients mean anyone can create this delicious dish without advanced culinary skills, perfect for kitchen beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
• Family Dinner Winner: Packed with cheesy goodness and customizable with optional mix-ins like bacon or vegetables, this recipe guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies picky eaters.
• Versatile Meal Option: Serves as a hearty main course or delightful side dish, suitable for casual weeknight dinners, potlucks, and special gatherings where comfort food is always welcome.

What Goes In Good Old Fashion Mac And Cheese

• Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that perfectly captures and holds the creamy cheese sauce.

• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth base for the sauce and adds depth of flavor.
• Milk: Creates the creamy liquid foundation for the cheese sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, tangy flavor and creates the signature cheesy texture.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent to create a smooth, custard-like consistency in the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the crispy topping.

• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, velvety texture.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy, golden topping for extra texture.
• Olive Oil: Helps crisp up the breadcrumb topping and adds a subtle flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor of the dish.

How To Make Good Old Fashion Mac And Cheese Easily

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and grease up a 9×13-inch baking dish with plenty of love to keep things from sticking.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil water with a pinch of salt and cook macaroni until it’s tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Create Butter Base

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, creating a golden foundation for the cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Whisk In Flour

Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, stirring constantly to make a smooth, rich roux that’ll give the sauce some serious body.

Step 5: Pour In Creamy Liquid

Slowly stream milk into the roux, whisking like crazy to keep things silky smooth and lump-free.

Step 6: Melt Cheese Dreams

Pull the sauce off the heat and dump in shredded cheddar, stirring until it transforms into a luxurious, gooey mixture.

Step 7: Tame The Eggs

Carefully mix a bit of hot sauce into whisked eggs, then fold the egg mixture back into the sauce to keep everything creamy and prevent scrambling.

Step 8: Season With Flavor

Sprinkle in salt and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to spread deliciousness throughout the sauce.

Step 9: Marry Pasta And Sauce

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every single noodle gets a generous cheese hug.

Step 10: Prep For Baking

Transfer the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 11: Mix Crunchy Topping

• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil

Stir until well blended.

Step 12: Add Crispy Layer

Scatter the breadcrumb mixture over the top, covering every inch of the mac and cheese.

Step 13: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and edges are bubbling with excitement.

Step 14: Let It Rest

Give the mac and cheese a 10-minute breather before serving. This helps the sauce settle and makes cutting a breeze.

Tips For The Creamiest Mac And Cheese

• Prevent Sticking: Generously grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy serving and prevent the mac and cheese from clinging to the sides.
• Master Al Dente Pasta: Cook macaroni just until tender with a slight bite, typically 8-10 minutes, to maintain perfect texture and avoid mushy noodles.
• Create Silky Sauce: Whisk milk into the roux slowly and continuously to eliminate lumps, resulting in a smooth, velvety cheese sauce that coats every pasta piece.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of mustard powder or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for an extra flavor dimension that elevates the classic recipe.

Tasty Mac And Cheese Twists To Try

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Creamy Pasta Bake: Substitute dairy ingredients with cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and plant-based milk, topped with seasoned breadcrumbs for a dairy-free version.
• Protein-Packed Mac and Cheese: Add cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham directly into the cheese sauce for extra protein and flavor complexity.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: Replace traditional macaroni with riced cauliflower, maintaining the rich cheese sauce while reducing carbohydrate content for health-conscious eaters.

Perfect Pairings For Good Old Fashion Mac And Cheese

• Pair Perfectly with Tangy Red Wine: Choose a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to cut through the rich, creamy cheese sauce and complement the dish's robust flavors.
• Crisp Salad Balances Richness: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, acidic contrast that refreshes the palate between mac and cheese bites.
• Match with Smoky Protein: Serve alongside grilled barbecue chicken or pulled pork to enhance the comfort food experience and add a protein-packed dimension to the meal.
• Complement with Bright Beverage: Select a craft beer like amber ale or wheat beer to cleanse the palate and offer a slightly bitter counterpoint to the creamy mac and cheese.

How To Store Good Old Fashion Mac And Cheese

• Transfer cooled mac and cheese to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the container flat to maintain sauce consistency.
• Pack mac and cheese in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Label with date and freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing dishes with crispy breadcrumb topping.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess, cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, removing foil during last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs For Good Old Fashion Mac And Cheese

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with a mix of cheeses like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or monterey jack for added depth of flavor.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe uses regular flour and pasta. To make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free flour and gluten-free pasta.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add steamed broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach to the mac and cheese for extra nutrients and color.

• Can I prepare this mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Good Old Fashion Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort classics reach new heights with good old fashion mac and cheese, a creamy culinary embrace that promises pure nostalgia. Perfectly melted cheeses and golden breadcrumbs create a hearty dish you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 oz macaroni pasta
• 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

Binding Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy serving and prevent sticking.
2. Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside while preparing the cheese sauce.
3. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, creating a smooth base for the creamy sauce.
4. Whisk flour into the melted butter, creating a golden roux that will thicken the sauce and provide a rich, velvety texture.
5. Gradually pour milk into the roux, continuously whisking to eliminate any lumps and create a smooth, silky sauce.
6. Remove sauce from heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and incorporated.
7. Temper eggs by slowly adding a small amount of hot cheese sauce while whisking, then blend the egg mixture back into the sauce to prevent curdling.
8. Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper, stirring to distribute the flavors evenly.
9. Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring every pasta shell is generously coated.
10. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
11. Mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a small bowl to create a crispy, golden topping.
12. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese, covering the surface completely.
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, which helps the sauce set and makes cutting easier.

Notes

• Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for celiac-friendly version.
• Use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese to create a lighter, healthier mac and cheese without sacrificing creamy texture.
• Consider adding roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced one-pan meal.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations such as gruyère, fontina, or sharp white cheddar to elevate classic flavor profile and add complexity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 582
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 92 mg