Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe
This old fashioned mac and cheese recipe brings creamy, oven-baked nostalgia to your table no gimmicks, just comfort food the way it should be.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked, ~8 oz
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk warmed
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of paprika optional
- ½ cup extra cheese for topping
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic or onion powder
- ¼ cup cream cheese
- Handful of breadcrumbs tossed with butter
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 2-quart baking dish or 8x8 pan and set aside.
Cook the macaroni.
- Boil pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente (about 6–7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Make the roux.
- Melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until it smells nutty.
Add warm milk.
- Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly. Simmer until it thickens (3–5 minutes).
Stir in cheese and seasoning.
- Lower heat. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard (if using). Stir in cheese until smooth and melted.
Combine pasta and sauce.
- Fold pasta into the cheese sauce. Mix gently to coat.
Transfer and top.
- Pour into baking dish. Top with extra cheese or buttered breadcrumbs.
Bake.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Rest and serve.
- Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving for best texture.
Notes
- Calories: ~410
-
Total Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 420mg
-
Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Calcium: About 25% of your daily intake
- Iron: ~6% of your daily needs