If you are craving the ultimate comfort food that warms the soul and delights every bite, then this Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a nostalgic dish that brings back memories of family dinners and childhood favorites, combining creamy, cheesy goodness with a perfectly tender macaroni. Every spoonful offers that irresistible rich texture and familiar flavor that you just cannot get enough of. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or sharing it with loved ones, this recipe truly stands the test of time as a beloved classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe lies in its simple, essential ingredients that work harmoniously together to create flavor, texture, and that satisfying creamy color. Each item has a purpose, whether it’s the sharp cheddar that delivers punchy cheese flavor or the evaporated milk that lends a luxuriously smooth consistency.
- 3 cups dry elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to hold creamy cheese in every bite.
- 4 tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and helps prevent sticking while boosting flavor.
- 2 (370 mL/12 oz) cans evaporated milk: Creates a thick, creamy sauce with depth and smoothness.
- 1/3 cup milk of choice: Balances out the evaporation and keeps the sauce silky.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a natural binder to hold everything together beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt: Adds just a hint of savory complexity without overpowering.
- 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded: The star cheese with bold flavor and gooey texture.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Brings stretchy cheese pull and a milder cheese note.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: A sprinkle on top for color and a subtle smoky touch.
How to Make Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by boiling the elbow macaroni in salted water until it is just al dente—tender but still with a little bite. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and immediately toss the macaroni with the salted butter while it’s still warm. This helps keep it from sticking and adds that buttery base layer of flavor crucial to the dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, your choice of milk, eggs, and garlic salt until fully combined. This mixture forms the rich, creamy custard-like base that will coat every macaroni piece with cheesy goodness once baked. Mixing the eggs into the milk adds structure and richness, making this step essential for that classic mac and cheese texture.
Step 3: Layer and Assemble
Next, take a baking pan and evenly layer half of your buttered macaroni. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over this layer. Add the remaining macaroni on top and then pour the milk and egg mixture evenly over everything. This layering ensures every bite is packed with cheese and cream.
Step 4: Add Paprika and Bake
Before baking, sprinkle the top with a teaspoon of paprika to add a beautiful golden hue and a subtle smoky aroma. Bake the dish in a preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and the top has turned a gorgeous golden brown. This final step creates that irresistible crust that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy interior.
How to Serve Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your mac and cheese even further, consider garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and a mild fresh bite. A light dusting of extra paprika can also boost that warm, comforting aroma just before serving. For a little unexpected crunch, toasted breadcrumbs sprinkled on top after baking are a delightful addition.
Side Dishes
This Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe pairs beautifully with an array of side dishes. Crisp green salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans offer freshness to balance the richness. For heartier meals, grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or roasted meats complement the cheesy pasta wonderfully, turning the meal into a full experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to surprise your guests or family? Serve your mac and cheese in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for charming single portions with perfectly crusted edges. Another fun idea is to stuff bell peppers or hollowed tomatoes with the mac and cheese mixture and bake them, adding extra flavor and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe keeps very well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent it from drying out. When ready to eat, it’s just as comforting reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for longer storage by placing portions or the whole baked mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months to enjoy later without sacrificing much quality. Make sure to thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, use a low heat setting in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if the mac and cheese has thickened. Cover loosely to prevent the top from burning and heat until warmed through with cheese melty once again.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While this Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe calls for cheddar and mozzarella, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan for extra flavor layers.
Is it better to cook the macaroni fully or al dente?
Cooking macaroni until al dente is best because it will continue to cook slightly during baking, preventing it from becoming mushy and maintaining a perfect texture that holds up well with the creamy sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
With some tweaks, yes. Substitute the butter with a plant-based option, use non-dairy milk alternatives, and choose dairy-free cheese substitutes. However, the texture and flavor will differ slightly from the traditional dish.
How do I avoid the mac and cheese being too runny?
Ensuring the right balance of egg to milk, as in this recipe, helps set the dish nicely. Overcooking the pasta or adding too much liquid can cause runniness, so following the ingredient measures and cooking time carefully is key.
Can I add extras like bacon or vegetables?
Definitely! Adding cooked bacon pieces, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli can bring new dimensions of flavor and texture to this Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe, making it your own personal comfort masterpiece.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe that never goes out of style. It’s a timeless dish that delivers creamy, cheesy perfection in every bite, inviting you to slow down and savor each moment. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or discovering classic comfort food for the first time, you absolutely should give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy comfort food favorite that serves 8. Featuring a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich custard made with evaporated milk and eggs, this baked mac and cheese is golden on top and wonderfully gooey inside. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it balances velvety texture with a nostalgic, homey flavor.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
Dairy & Eggs
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 (370 mL/12 oz) cans evaporated milk
- 1/3 cup milk of choice
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Boil Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and immediately mix the hot pasta with the salted butter until fully coated.
- Prepare Milk Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, 1/3 cup of your choice of milk, the eggs, and garlic salt until smooth and well combined. This custard mixture will help bind and enrich the mac and cheese.
- Assemble the Dish: Grease a baking pan and layer half of the macaroni mixture evenly on the bottom. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the pasta. Repeat with the remaining macaroni and cheeses to create layers.
- Pour Milk Mixture and Sprinkle Paprika: Slowly pour the prepared milk and egg custard evenly over the layered macaroni and cheese, ensuring it seeps through the layers. Then, sprinkle the top with the paprika for a pop of color and subtle smoky flavor.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking pan in the oven and bake uncovered for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the custard is set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the mac and cheese to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the cheese set slightly for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a crispier topping, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- You can substitute part or all of the cheddar with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Use whole milk instead of evaporated milk for a lighter texture, but evaporated milk adds richness and creaminess.
- Season further with black pepper or mustard powder for a slight tang and spice.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat covered in the oven or microwave.
