Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together creamy, cheesy goodness with tender elbow macaroni. This baked version delivers a rich, golden crust with a gooey, melty interior, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in. With a blend of sharp cheddar and a touch of seasoning, this dish is simple yet indulgent, offering a nostalgic taste of home.
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 3 ½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- A dash of hot pepper sauce (optional, for a slight kick)
- 3 ½ cups whole milk
- 5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For the Topping (Optional):
- 1 cup additional shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooked bacon crumbles (optional, for extra flavor)
- Breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Cook the Macaroni
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add elbow macaroni and cook until almost tender (about 7-8 minutes).
- Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour, salt, mustard, black pepper, and hot sauce (if using).
- Whisk until smooth and cook for about 1 minute, until bubbling.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until fully melted.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated.
- Bake the Mac and Cheese
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- If using, add bacon crumbles or breadcrumbs for extra texture.
- Cover and bake for 45-50 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
This Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese is a timeless dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to every bite. Whether you enjoy it as-is or customize it with extra toppings, it’s guaranteed to be a hit! 🧀🍽️
You can check out the original recipe here. Would you like variations or additional tips for making this even more indulgent?