Nostalgic Cafeteria Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Just Like School

Creamy, nostalgic cafeteria macaroni and cheese brings back memories of school lunch trays and comfort.

Cold days call for warm, cheesy goodness that hugs your soul.

Memories flood back with each bite of this classic dish.

You recognize the simple ingredients that make magic happen in one pot.

School lunch ladies knew something special about creating ultimate comfort food.

Melted cheese cascades over perfectly cooked pasta, promising pure satisfaction.

This recipe will transport you straight to those delightful midday meal moments.

What’s So Good About Cafeteria Macaroni and Cheese

• Comfort Food Champion: Creamy, cheesy macaroni that wraps you in warmth and satisfies deep comfort food cravings with its rich, indulgent flavors.
• Super Easy Preparation: Straightforward recipe that requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners or busy home cooks wanting a quick, delicious meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Classic: A universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings.
• Customizable Delight: Simple recipe allows for easy modifications like adding bacon, different cheese blends, or extra spices to suit personal taste preferences.

Everything You Need for Macaroni and Cheese

• Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for creamy cheese dishes.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and flavorful cheese that melts beautifully.

• Milk: Creamy base for the sauce.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create smooth texture.

• Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, Salt, Hot Sauce: Flavor enhancers for the cheese sauce.
• Bread Crumbs, Paprika: Crunchy and colorful topping for extra texture.

Steps to Make Cafeteria Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F and grab a casserole dish.

Give the dish a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil water with a pinch of salt.

Drop in macaroni and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.

Drain the pasta completely.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce Base

In a small pan, gently warm milk over low heat.

• Mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Hot sauce

Set this flavorful mixture aside.

Step 4: Blend Cheese and Pasta

• Butter
• Cheese

Pour the warm milk mixture over the pasta and cheese.

Stir until everything looks smooth and delicious.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the cheesy pasta to your prepared casserole dish.

Sprinkle extra cheese on top.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Topping

Mix bread crumbs with melted butter.

Spread this mixture over the mac and cheese.

Dust with a sprinkle of paprika.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

For an extra crispy top, switch to broil for 1-2 minutes.

Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Cafeteria Mac and Cheese Cooking Tips

• Cook macaroni just until al dente to maintain a firm texture and avoid mushy mac and cheese.
• Heat milk slowly and stir continuously to prevent scorching and ensure smooth, velvety sauce.
• Add Worcestershire sauce and mustard for subtle complexity that enhances the cheese's richness.
• Mix bread crumbs with melted butter for a golden, crispy crust that adds delightful crunch to the dish.
• Watch carefully during broiling to achieve a perfectly golden top without burning the bread crumbs.

How to Store Cafeteria Mac and Cheese

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Best Things to Pair with Mac and Cheese

• Pair with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light, tangy salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the mac and cheese.
• Select Robust Red Wine: Uncork a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the creamy, cheesy flavors and stands up to the dish's bold taste.
• Match with Smoky Pulled Pork: Serve alongside tender, barbecue-style pulled pork to create a hearty meal that balances the creamy pasta with savory, smoky meat.
• Enjoy with Craft Beer: Choose an amber ale or hoppy IPA that provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy macaroni and enhances the overall dining experience.

Twists on Cafeteria Mac and Cheese

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Replace wheat-based bread crumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. Swap regular pasta for gluten-free macaroni to create a celiac-friendly version.
• Protein-Packed Veggie Mac: Add diced grilled chicken or crumbled plant-based protein. Mix in roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach to boost nutritional value and create a more substantial meal.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Mac: Substitute macaroni with riced cauliflower or cauliflower florets. Use full-fat cream instead of milk and add extra cheese to maintain creamy texture while reducing carbohydrates.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Use nutritional yeast, cashew cheese, or store-bought vegan cheese shreds. Replace dairy milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk and use vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free version.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Cheddar with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheeses for varied flavor profiles.

• Is this recipe good for large gatherings?

Absolutely! This recipe serves 6-8 people and can be easily doubled for potlucks or family reunions.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try using whole wheat pasta, reduced-fat cheese, and adding steamed vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower to increase nutritional value.

• What if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?

You can skip it or substitute with a splash of soy sauce to maintain a similar depth of flavor in the dish.

Cafeteria Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy macaroni and cheese delights palates with nostalgic comfort from school lunchrooms. Rich cheese sauce coats tender pasta, promising a simple yet satisfying meal that connects memories and flavor in one delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) macaroni
• 3.5 cups (420 grams) shredded Cheddar cheese

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) milk
• 1.5 tablespoons (21 grams) butter
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter, melted

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 1.5 teaspoons ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 0.75 teaspoon salt
• 1 dash hot pepper sauce
• 0.5 cup (60 grams) bread crumbs
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare a casserole dish by lightly coating it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Boil a large pot of water with a pinch of salt, then cook the macaroni until it reaches a tender yet firm texture, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain the pasta in a colander, shaking off excess water.
3. Create a flavor-enhancing milk base by gently warming milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Incorporate mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and hot sauce, whisking until smooth and well integrated.
4. Combine the drained macaroni with butter and a generous portion of shredded cheese, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution of melted cheese throughout the pasta.
5. Pour the warm, seasoned milk mixture over the cheesy macaroni, mixing carefully to create a creamy, cohesive texture.
6. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
7. Sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top of the pasta, creating a melty, golden surface.
8. Prepare the crispy topping by mixing bread crumbs with melted butter until they become slightly clumpy and golden-hued. Evenly distribute this mixture over the cheese layer.
9. Dust the top with a light sprinkle of paprika for added color and subtle flavor complexity.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become slightly crispy.
11. For an extra-crispy finish, switch the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning and achieve a perfect golden-brown crust.

Notes

• Customize the cheese blend by mixing sharp and mild cheddar for a more complex flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Experiment with adding crispy bacon bits or diced jalapeños for an unexpected flavor twist that elevates the classic recipe.
• Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and become creamier before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg