Grandma’s Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy, comforting mac and cheese has been a beloved staple in kitchens across America for generations.

This nostalgic good old fashion mac and cheese recipe brings back memories of cozy family dinners and childhood happiness.

Generations have passed down their secret techniques for creating the perfect cheesy blend.

Sharp cheddar melts into a velvety sauce that coats every noodle with rich, decadent flavor.

Tender elbow macaroni provides the ideal canvas for this classic comfort dish.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of crispy edges and gooey center that melts in your mouth.

Prepare to savor a timeless recipe that celebrates simple, hearty cooking at its finest.

What Makes Good Old-Fashioned Mac & Cheese Comforting

• Comfort Food Champion: Classic mac and cheese delivers ultimate comfort with its creamy, cheesy goodness that warms hearts and satisfies deep cravings in every delightful bite.
• Foolproof Family Favorite: Super easy recipe that requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginner cooks and guaranteed to please both kids and adults with its universally loved flavors.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Incredibly adaptable dish that works wonderfully for casual family dinners, potlucks, and weekend gatherings, allowing simple preparation with maximum delicious results.
• Quick Weeknight Savior: Minimal ingredient list and straightforward instructions mean you can whip up this comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen, providing a stress-free cooking experience.

Ingredients for Classic Mac and Cheese

Main Ingredients:

• Macaroni: Soft, comforting pasta perfect for cheesy goodness.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Rich and melty cheese blend that creates creamy texture.

• Evaporated Milk, Milk, Butter, Eggs: Smooth and rich dairy components that bring silky consistency.

• Garlic Salt, Paprika: Warm and subtle flavor enhancers for classic comfort dish.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and give a quick spray of non-stick goodness to your 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil.

Toss in the macaroni and cook until it’s perfectly tender.

Drain the pasta and return it to the pot, then swirl in the butter until it melts completely.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Liquid

• Evaporated milk
• Regular milk
• Eggs
• Garlic salt

Blend until everything is smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Blend

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Step 5: Layer the Deliciousness

• 1/3 of the cooked macaroni
• 1/3 of the cheese mixture

Repeat these layers two more times until you’ve used everything.

Step 6: Pour and Sprinkle

Gently pour the milk mixture evenly over the top of the layers.

Dust the surface with a sprinkle of paprika.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling with cheesy excitement.

Tips for Ultra Creamy Mac and Cheese

• Cook macaroni just until al dente to maintain a perfect texture and avoid overcooking during baking.
• Combine cheddar and mozzarella for a rich, creamy flavor profile that melts beautifully and creates a luxurious cheese sauce.
• Layer macaroni and cheese mixture carefully to ensure every bite has a balanced amount of pasta and cheese.
• Whisk evaporated milk, regular milk, eggs, and garlic salt thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy base that binds the dish together.
• Sprinkle paprika on top before baking to add a subtle smoky flavor and achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.

How to Store and Reheat Classic Mac and Cheese

• Place leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months to preserve texture and flavor.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Sprinkle a little milk over the mac and cheese. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy consistency.

Perfect Pairings for Old-School Mac and Cheese

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: The buttery notes of a chardonnay complement the rich, creamy mac and cheese, cutting through its heaviness while enhancing the cheesy flavor.
• Serve with Tangy Coleslaw: A zesty, crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the dense, velvety mac and cheese, balancing the dish with its bright acidity.
• Match with Roasted Broccoli: Charred, slightly bitter roasted broccoli adds a nutritious veggie element that helps offset the indulgent, cheesy pasta, creating a more balanced meal.
• Accompany with Light Pilsner: A crisp, clean pilsner beer helps cleanse the palate between bites, cutting through the richness and providing a palate-refreshing experience.

Mac and Cheese Recipe Twists to Try

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Replace traditional macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce if needed.
• Vegan Comfort Version: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and plant-based cheese alternatives. Use cashew milk or almond milk instead of evaporated milk. Replace eggs with cornstarch or ground flaxseed mixed with water.
• Protein-Packed Option: Add cooked ground turkey, shredded chicken, or crumbled bacon to the mac and cheese. Mix in diced ham or protein-rich beans for extra nutrition. Incorporate Greek yogurt for additional protein boost.
• Veggie Loaded Variation: Mix in roasted cauliflower, spinach, or diced bell peppers. Blend pureed butternut squash into the cheese sauce for added nutrients and creamy texture. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.

FAQs

• What cheeses work best in this mac and cheese recipe?

Sharp cheddar and mozzarella are the perfect combination, providing a rich, creamy flavor with great melting properties. The blend creates a delicious balance of tanginess and smooth texture that makes this dish irresistible.

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

Yes, you can prepare the dish up to a day in advance. Assemble everything in the baking pan, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and cook as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

• How can I make this mac and cheese more nutritious?

Add steamed vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or peas to the mixture before baking. These additions boost the nutritional value without compromising the creamy, cheesy goodness of the classic recipe.

• Is evaporated milk necessary for this recipe?

Evaporated milk is crucial for creating the rich, creamy texture. It provides a deeper flavor and helps prevent the sauce from becoming watery, ensuring a thick and luxurious mac and cheese that holds together perfectly.

Classic Good Old Fashioned Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, comforting good old fashion mac and cheese brings classic American comfort to your dinner table. Cheesy pasta layers meld perfectly with golden breadcrumb topping, promising a nostalgic culinary experience you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
• 2 large eggs

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (60 ml) salted butter
• 2 cans (370 ml/12 ounces) evaporated milk
• 1/3 cup milk of choice

Seasonings:

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F and coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light cooking spray.
2. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil, then cook macaroni until perfectly tender.
3. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot, gently stirring in butter until fully melted and coating each noodle.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, regular milk, eggs, and garlic salt until smooth and fully integrated.
5. Separately, combine the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses in another bowl, creating a rich, blended cheese mixture.
6. Create the first foundation layer in the prepared baking dish by spreading one-third of the buttered macaroni across the bottom.
7. Generously sprinkle one-third of the mixed cheese over the pasta layer, ensuring even coverage.
8. Repeat the layering process twice more, building alternating strata of macaroni and cheese.
9. Carefully pour the creamy milk mixture evenly across the entire surface, allowing it to seep between the layers.
10. Dust the top with a light sprinkle of paprika for added color and subtle flavor complexity.
11. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality sharp cheddar and fresh mozzarella for a rich, complex flavor profile that elevates the classic mac and cheese.
• Cook Pasta Perfectly: Ensure macaroni is al dente to prevent mushy texture, as it will continue cooking in the oven during baking.
• Temperature Control: Let the mac and cheese rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier without falling apart.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free macaroni and use cornstarch instead of flour to make this dish celiac-friendly.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg