old fashioned baked mac and cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best old fashioned baked mac and cheese recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my old fashioned baked mac and cheese recipe. This comforting dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. There’s something about the creamy cheese sauce, the tender pasta, and the crispy topping that just makes everyone happy.

As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy this recipe is to make and how versatile it is – we can enjoy it as a main course, side dish, or even as a snack. Plus, it’s a great way to get some comfort food into our diet without feeling too guilty. My kids love helping me make this recipe, and they always get so excited when they see the finished product.

I think it’s because it’s just one of those classic comfort foods that never fails to put a smile on their faces. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good excuse to indulge in some cheesy goodness? As for me, I just love how this recipe transports me back to my childhood, when my mom would make it for me on special occasions.

It’s just one of those nostalgic foods that never fails to bring back happy memories. But what I think I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize to our tastes. Want more spice?

Add some red pepper flakes! Want more creaminess? Add some extra butter or heavy cream!

The possibilities are endless, and I love that about this recipe.

Old Fashioned Baked Mac and Cheese

4.6 from 1679 votes

A classic comfort food dish featuring elbow macaroni baked in a creamy cheese sauce. This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 45 minutes to prepare and bake.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder

For the Topping

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside.
3Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
4Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
5Drain the pasta and set it aside.
6In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
7Add the flour and whisk to form a roux.
8Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns light brown.
9Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
10Cook the sauce over medium heat until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
11Stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
12Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
13Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
14Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish.
15In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
16Mix well and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
17Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
18Allow the macaroni and cheese to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
9×13 inch baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier version, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. You can also add cooked vegetables like broccoli or spinach to the macaroni and cheese mixture for extra nutrition.

This old fashioned baked mac and cheese recipe is truly a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even just a cozy night in with loved ones.

One thing I love about this recipe is how well it stores – you can easily reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven for a quick lunch or dinner option. Additionally, there are countless ways to customize this recipe to your taste preferences – whether you like spicy kicks from red pepper flakes or creamy additions from heavy cream.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Baked Mac and Cheese

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

For this old fashioned baked mac and cheese recipe, I prefer to use elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta. These shapes hold onto the cheese sauce perfectly and provide a nice texture contrast to the creamy cheese.

Q: Can I make this recipe without the breadcrumb topping?

You can definitely omit the breadcrumb topping if you’re not a fan of crunchy textures on top of your mac and cheese. However, if you do decide to skip it, you may want to consider adding an extra layer of cheese or breadcrumbs to the top of the dish before baking – this will help prevent the top from becoming too dry.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes! While I prefer to use cheddar as my primary cheese in this recipe, you can experiment with other types of cheese like mozzarella, parmesan, or even goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

Q: How long does this recipe take to make?

This old fashioned baked mac and cheese recipe typically takes about 45-60 minutes to prepare and bake from start to finish.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the macaroni and cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

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