The Creamiest Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese Recipe

Comfort food takes center stage with this good ole fashion mac and cheese recipe that promises pure, nostalgic delight.

Creamy, cheesy goodness blends perfectly with tender pasta shells, creating a classic dish everyone adores.

Generations have savored this timeless comfort meal, passing down secrets from kitchen to kitchen.

Rich, golden cheese cascades over perfectly cooked macaroni, promising a mouthwatering experience.

Sharp cheddar and smooth milk create a velvety sauce that clings to every pasta curve.

The aroma alone will draw hungry souls to the table, eager to dive into this hearty classic.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this soul-warming mac and cheese masterpiece.

Storing Mac and Cheese Leftovers

• Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the lid is tightly sealed to prevent moisture loss.
• Transfer cooled mac and cheese to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Why use both cheddar and mozzarella cheese?

The combination creates a perfect balance of sharp flavor from cheddar and creamy texture from mozzarella, giving the mac and cheese a rich, complex taste that’s more exciting than using just one type of cheese.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

• Is evaporated milk necessary for this recipe?

Evaporated milk adds a deeper, creamier flavor and helps create a smoother texture compared to regular milk. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with heavy cream or whole milk, though the result might be slightly less rich.

Mac and Cheese Classic Comfort Why It Never Gets Old

• Super simple recipe that anyone can master, even if you're a beginner cook with minimal kitchen skills.
• Classic mac and cheese delivers nostalgic flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
• Flexible recipe allows swapping or adding different cheese varieties, giving you creative freedom to experiment with flavor profiles and make the dish uniquely yours.
• Requires only basic kitchen tools like a pot, baking dish, and mixing bowls, making it accessible for home cooks with minimal cooking equipment.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese Bliss

• Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that provides the perfect foundation for this comforting dish.

• Salted Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a smooth texture for the macaroni.
• Evaporated Milk, Whole Milk: Creates a creamy base that ensures a silky and luxurious mac and cheese.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Provide a delicious blend of melty, sharp, and stretchy cheese flavors.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and create a custard-like consistency.

• Garlic Salt: Adds a savory depth of flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Paprika: Provides a subtle warmth and beautiful golden color to the top of the dish.
• Cooking Spray: Ensures the mac and cheese doesn't stick to the baking dish.

Essential Tools for Homemade Mac and Cheese

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling macaroni and creating the base of the dish.
• Colander: Needed to drain the cooked pasta perfectly.
• Whisk: Critical for blending milk, eggs, and seasonings smoothly.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Two are required – one for milk mixture, another for cheese blending.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Crucial for layering and baking the mac and cheese.
• Measuring Cups: Important for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helpful for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

How to Make Classic Mac and Cheese Like Grandma

Step 1: Boil Macaroni

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

Drain the pasta and return it to the warm pot, letting the residual heat prepare it for the next delicious stage.

Step 2: Melt Butter

Gently stir salted butter into the hot macaroni, watching it melt and coat each noodle with rich, creamy goodness.

Let the mixture sit and cool slightly.

Step 3: Create Creamy Liquid Base

• Evaporated milk
• Whole milk
• Fresh eggs
• Garlic salt

Blend until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Prepare Cheese Blend

• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Creamy mozzarella cheese

Ensure the cheeses are evenly integrated.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Create Delicious Layers

• Start with 1/3 of the macaroni
• Add 1/3 of the cheese blend
• Repeat until all ingredients are used

Step 7: Add Finishing Touches

Drizzle the milk mixture evenly over the layered macaroni.

Sprinkle a light dusting of paprika across the top for color and subtle flavor.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts completely, the top turns golden brown, and the edges start bubbling with deliciousness.

Mac and Cheese Tricks for Creamy Perfection

• Salt the boiling water generously to infuse the macaroni with a deeper taste before draining.
• Let hot macaroni sit with butter for a minute to help cheese melt smoothly and create a creamy texture.
• Whisk eggs and milk gently to avoid scrambling and ensure a silky, even sauce throughout the dish.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs or extra cheese on top before baking to create a delightful golden, crunchy crust.

Mac and Cheese Ideas for Every Craving

• 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.
• Protein-Packed Veggie Mac: Add diced chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein like tofu. Mix in roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• Spicy Southwest Mac: Incorporate diced jalapeños, green chiles, or a dash of cayenne pepper. Sprinkle with pepper jack cheese and top with crispy bacon bits for a kick.
• Vegan Creamy Mac: Substitute dairy with cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and plant-based milk. Use vegan cheese alternatives or make a nutritional yeast-based cheese sauce.

Ways to Serve Mac and Cheese Family Style

• Comforting Family Feast: Serve this mac and cheese as a hearty main dish with loved ones gathered around the table, creating warm memories over creamy spoonfuls.
• Delightful Side Companion: Pair with crispy green salad, roasted vegetables, or tangy coleslaw to balance the rich, cheesy goodness and add nutritional variety.
• Southern-Style Brunch Delight: Complement with crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for an elevated breakfast or weekend brunch experience.
• Protein Power-Up: Add diced grilled chicken, crumbled bacon, or diced ham directly into the mac and cheese to transform it into a more substantial, protein-packed meal that satisfies hungry appetites.

Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort classic good ole fashion mac and cheese recipe brings nostalgic warmth to dinner tables across America. Creamy cheese sauce envelops tender pasta, creating a memorable meal that satisfies deep cravings you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

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

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (4 tbsp) salted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cans (12 ounces each) evaporated milk
• 1/3 cup milk

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Cook macaroni in generously salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender. Drain thoroughly and return to the original cooking pot.
2. Incorporate softened butter into the warm macaroni, stirring until completely melted and creating a glossy coating.
3. Whisk evaporated milk, regular milk, eggs, and garlic salt in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
4. Combine shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses in a separate bowl, ensuring an even distribution of both varieties.
5. Prepare the baking vessel by lightly coating a 9×13 inch dish with cooking spray and positioning the oven rack in the center position.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for baking.
7. Create alternating layers of macaroni and cheese mixture, dividing ingredients into three even portions. Repeat layering process until all components are utilized.
8. Gently cascade the milk mixture over the layered macaroni, ensuring even coverage across the entire dish.
9. Dust the surface with a light sprinkle of paprika for added color and subtle flavor enhancement.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts completely, the surface turns golden brown, and the edges become deliciously bubbly.

Notes

• Select high-quality cheese for richer, more complex flavor profiles that elevate the classic mac and cheese experience.
• Use whole milk or mix with cream to increase richness and create a more luxurious, velvety texture.
• Experiment with adding crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic for unexpected depth and complexity.
• Toast breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top for an extra crunchy, golden-brown crust that adds delightful textural contrast.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg