Good Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe for Creamiest Results

Comfort comes calling with this good old fashion mac and cheese that brings pure nostalgia right to your plate.

Creamy textures and melted cheese create an instant connection to childhood memories.

Grandma’s kitchen wisdom shines through every delectable bite of this classic dish.

Nothing beats the simple pleasure of pasta enveloped in rich, velvety sauce that hugs each elbow macaroni.

Subtle hints of sharp cheddar dance alongside smooth, molten cheese that promises satisfaction in every forkful.

Hungry souls will find solace in this timeless recipe that speaks directly to heart and hunger.

Dive into this mac and cheese adventure that guarantees smiles and second helpings.

Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese: Why It Stands Out

• A classic recipe that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
• Simple ingredients and straightforward steps ensure even novice cooks can create a delicious, creamy pasta dish without stress.
• Easy to customize with additional mix-ins like crispy bacon, roasted vegetables, or different cheese blends to suit various tastes and preferences.

What Goes Into Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for holding creamy cheese sauce, holds sauce well in its curved shape.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Provides rich, melty cheese flavor with good melting properties, sharp cheddar adds tangy depth.
• Whole Milk: Creates smooth, creamy sauce base with rich texture and balanced dairy flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth roux for cheese sauce foundation.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances cheese sauce.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and slight spiciness to complement cheese.
• Dry Mustard Powder: Brings subtle tang and depth to cheese sauce, helps intensify cheese flavor.

How to Whip Up Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Pour in elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until the pasta reaches a tender but slightly firm texture. The key is to avoid overcooking, which can make the mac and cheese mushy.

Step 2: Prepare Cheesy Sauce Base

• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Whole milk
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking constantly to create a smooth roux. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. The mixture will begin to thicken and become creamy.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Cheese Blend

Reduce heat to low. Gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until completely melted and incorporated. The sauce should be smooth and velvety. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the rich cheese flavor.

Step 4: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Pour the warm cheese sauce over the cooked pasta. Gently fold the sauce into the macaroni, ensuring every noodle is generously coated. The result should be a creamy, indulgent dish that screams comfort food.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer the mac and cheese to serving dishes. For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional cheese on top or add a crispy breadcrumb topping. Serve immediately while the dish is hot and at its most creamy, perfect for satisfying those comfort food cravings.

Secrets to Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese Success

• Prevent Pasta Clumping: Stir the pasta occasionally while boiling to ensure each noodle cooks evenly and doesn't stick together, creating a perfectly textured mac and cheese.
• Salt Water Wisely: Use enough salt in the boiling water to enhance the pasta's flavor, but be careful not to over-salt, as the cheese sauce will add additional seasoning.
• Choose the Right Pasta: Select elbow macaroni or similar short, tubular pasta that holds the creamy cheese sauce well, maximizing every delicious bite.
• Achieve Al Dente Perfection: Cook pasta just until tender with a slight bite, as it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot cheese sauce, preventing mushy texture.
• Drain Thoroughly: Shake the colander to remove excess water completely, helping the cheese sauce cling better to the pasta and maintaining a rich, creamy consistency.

Keep Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese Tasting Fresh

• Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Cover the container with plastic wrap or a tight lid to maintain moisture and prevent the pasta from drying out.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds and adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture.
• Reheat larger quantities in a preheated 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes, adding a bit of milk or cream to keep the cheese sauce smooth and prevent scorching.

Serve Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese Like a Pro

• Crisp Apple Salad Contrast
• Toss a tangy green apple salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette to cut through the rich, creamy mac and cheese. The crispness and acidity will beautifully balance the heaviness of the dish.
• Bold Red Wine Pairing
• Grab a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais to complement the cheese's depth. The wine's fruity notes will dance perfectly with the creamy, cheesy pasta.
• Herbed Breadcrumb Sprinkle
• Craft a golden, herb-seasoned breadcrumb topping with fresh parsley, thyme, and a touch of garlic powder. Sprinkle generously over the mac and cheese to add delightful texture and aromatic complexity.
• Crispy Bacon Bits
• Crumble some crispy bacon over the top for a smoky, salty punch that takes the classic mac and cheese to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Try These Spins on Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Replace traditional pasta with gluten-free elbow macaroni or brown rice pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities while maintaining the classic creamy texture.
• Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: Swap half the pasta with roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetable nutrition, creating a lighter version of the comfort dish.
• Protein-Packed Upgrade: Mix in cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham to transform the mac and cheese into a more substantial main course with added protein.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Use nutritional yeast, cashew cream, and plant-based milk to create a dairy-free cheese sauce, paired with whole wheat or chickpea pasta for a completely plant-based option.

Good Old Fashion Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets classic with this good old fashion mac and cheese, bringing nostalgic cheesy goodness straight from grandma’s kitchen. Creamy, melted cheese envelops perfectly cooked pasta, promising a soul-warming meal that connects generations through simple, delicious ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni or pasta of your choice
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk (warm)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Topping Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a substantial cooking vessel, ensuring ample space for pasta movement.
2. Submerge the pasta into the vigorously boiling liquid, following manufacturer’s recommended cooking duration until achieving a perfectly tender yet firm texture.
3. Carefully extract pasta from boiling water using a colander, allowing complete drainage and preventing residual moisture.
4. Transfer the pasta to a separate spacious mixing bowl, positioning it for subsequent cheese integration.

Notes

• Opt for elbow macaroni or shell pasta for the most authentic mac and cheese texture, as their curves help hold the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Select high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust flavor, blending it with a mild cheese like Monterey Jack for balanced creaminess.
• Avoid overcooking pasta to prevent a mushy final dish; aim for al dente consistency to maintain a slight bite and prevent the pasta from absorbing too much sauce.
• Create a richer sauce by using whole milk or even adding a splash of heavy cream for extra indulgence and silky smoothness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg