Simple & Hearty Good Ole Fashion Mac And Cheese Recipe

Comfort arrives in a creamy mac and cheese dish that whispers nostalgia from grandma’s kitchen.

Memories flood back with every cheesy bite of this classic comfort food.

Tender pasta nestles beneath a golden, bubbling blanket of rich cheese sauce.

Childhood favorites never tasted this incredible when melted cheddar embraces tender elbow macaroni.

Simple ingredients combine to create magic in a single skillet.

Bubbling, melted cheese promises pure deliciousness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese So Satisfying

• Comfort Food Champion: Delivers a nostalgic, soul-warming experience that reminds you of grandma's classic kitchen magic.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Guarantees smiles around the dinner table with its irresistibly creamy texture and rich cheese blend that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Meal Option: Works brilliantly as a standalone main dish, side companion, or potluck favorite that adapts to various dining scenarios without complicated techniques.

Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese Ingredient List

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for mac and cheese.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Sharp and melty cheeses for rich flavor.
• Salted Butter: Creamy ingredient for coating pasta.
• Evaporated Milk: Creamy base for sauce.
• Milk: Additional liquid for smooth texture.
• Eggs: Binding agent for the dish.

• Garlic Salt: Subtle savory flavor enhancer.
• Paprika: Optional spice for color and mild warmth.
• Salt: For boiling pasta and seasoning.

Cooking Mac and Cheese the Classic Way

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water until perfectly tender.

Drain and return pasta to the pot, keeping it warm and ready for cheesy magic.

Step 2: Create Buttery Base

Melt butter into the hot pasta, ensuring each noodle gets a luxurious coating.

This step prevents sticking and adds an incredible richness to the dish.

Step 3: Whisk Creamy Liquid Blend

• Evaporated milk
• Regular milk
• Eggs
• Garlic salt

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated, creating a silky foundation for the mac and cheese.

Step 4: Prepare Cheese Mixture

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Mix thoroughly to create a delightful cheese combination that will make taste buds dance.

Step 5: Layer the Cheesy Goodness

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Create three alternating layers of buttered pasta and cheese mixture, finishing with a generous cheese topping.

Step 6: Saturate with Creamy Liquid

Pour the milk mixture evenly over the layered pasta, ensuring every nook and cranny gets soaked with creamy deliciousness.

Step 7: Add Final Flavor Touch

Sprinkle paprika across the top for an extra burst of color and subtle flavor complexity.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly and tempting, typically 25-30 minutes.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Allow the mac and cheese to cool slightly, helping it set and become even more luscious.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

Smart Tips for Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese

• Select fresh, high-quality cheddar and mozzarella for maximum flavor and smooth melting texture.
• Reserve a small amount of pasta water to help maintain moisture if the mac and cheese seems too thick during baking.
• Cover with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly, ensuring even cooking without burning the cheese layer.
• Experiment with adding a pinch of cayenne or mustard powder to enhance the cheese's depth and create a subtle kick.
• Assemble the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal preparation.

How to Store and Reheat Mac and Cheese

• Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled mac and cheese to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if the sauce contains eggs for best texture.
• 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 and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Add a little milk to prevent drying out and maintain creamy consistency.

What Complements Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese

• Pair with Tangy Side Salad: Toss crisp mixed greens with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the mac and cheese, providing a refreshing contrast that balances the creamy dish.
• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the cheesy flavors, its acidic notes perfectly offsetting the heavy, smooth texture of the mac and cheese.
• Match with Smoky Pulled Pork: Add tender, barbecue-style pulled pork as a protein side that introduces a smoky, savory element that elevates the comfort food experience and adds depth to the meal.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots to bring fresh, caramelized veggie notes that provide a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment to the cheesy pasta.

Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese Variations

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Replace regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Protein-Packed Veggie Mac: Add cooked diced chicken or crumbled tofu for extra protein, and mix in roasted broccoli or spinach for nutritional boost.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Version: Incorporate diced jalapeños and mix in pepper jack cheese for a zesty, heat-infused mac and cheese experience.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute macaroni with riced cauliflower or cauliflower florets to create a lower-carbohydrate version of the classic comfort dish.

FAQs

• Why use evaporated milk in this recipe?

Evaporated milk adds extra creaminess and richness to the mac and cheese, creating a smoother texture and deeper flavor compared to regular milk.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

While cheddar and mozzarella work best, you can substitute with other melting cheeses like monterey jack, gruyere, or colby for variety in flavor and texture.

• Is the garlic salt necessary?

Garlic salt adds a subtle depth of flavor, but you can omit it or replace with regular salt if you prefer a more classic taste. The dish will still be delicious.

• How do I prevent the mac and cheese from becoming dry?

The layering technique and milk-egg mixture help keep the dish moist. Ensure you pour the liquid evenly and don’t overbake, which can cause dryness.

Good Ole Fashion Mac And Cheese Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy, indulgent good ole fashion mac and cheese brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Rich cheddar and perfectly cooked pasta create a nostalgic dish you’ll savor with every delightful, cheesy bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Cheese Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Pasta and Dairy Ingredients:

• 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons (60 ml) salted butter
• 2 cans (12 ounces or 354 ml each) evaporated milk
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) milk of choice (whole, 2%, or alternative milk)
• 2 large eggs

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a vigorous boil. Gently introduce elbow macaroni, allowing it to dance and soften for approximately 7-8 minutes until achieving a tender al dente consistency. Carefully drain the pasta and return it to the original pot.
2. Introduce salted butter to the warm macaroni, tenderly stirring until each pasta strand gleams with a luxurious buttery coating, preventing unwanted adhesion and enhancing overall flavor complexity.
3. Craft a silky liquid foundation by whisking evaporated milk, additional milk, eggs, and garlic salt in a spacious mixing vessel. Ensure the mixture achieves a harmonious, smooth texture with no lingering lumps.
4. Create a cheese medley by combining shredded cheddar and mozzarella in a separate receptacle, blending the varieties to promise a multi-dimensional taste profile.
5. Ignite the oven to 375°F, preparing a 9×13 inch baking dish with a delicate non-stick spray. Construct architectural layers alternating between buttered macaroni and cheese blend, culminating in a magnificent cheese-crowned summit.
6. Meticulously cascade the milk-egg elixir across the layered landscape, ensuring complete saturation through every delectable crevice.
7. Optional: Dust the surface with a whisper of paprika, introducing a subtle chromatic and flavor dimension. Transfer the assemblage to the heated oven, allowing it to transform for 25-30 minutes until achieving a gloriously golden, effervescent surface.
8. Extract the masterpiece, permitting a brief moment of repose to enable structural stabilization, making service more elegant and controlled.
9. Present while radiantly warm, inviting companions to indulge in this comforting culinary embrace.

Notes

• Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by cooking exactly 7-8 minutes, keeping a slight firmness for perfect texture.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like gruyere or monterey jack to create unique flavor profiles and add exciting depth.
• Use room temperature eggs and milk to ensure smoother blending and more consistent sauce distribution throughout the dish.
• Consider adding crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for an extra crunchy golden layer that provides delightful textural contrast.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg