Grandma’s Hearty Mac and Cheese Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite

Comfort food holds a special place in our culinary memories, and this creamy mac and cheese recipe weaves magic on your dinner plate.

Generations have savored these cheesy, golden pasta bites passed down through family traditions.

Tender macaroni nestles perfectly with a rich, velvety cheese sauce that melts effortlessly.

Each forkful brings a nostalgic warmth reminiscent of weekend gatherings and cozy kitchen moments.

The blend of sharp cheddar and smooth cream creates a luxurious texture that elevates this classic dish.

Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this mac and cheese promises to become your new favorite comfort meal.

Prepare to fall in love with every delicious, cheesy bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 7

Building Blocks of Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic comfort food staple perfect for soaking up creamy cheese sauce, choose high-quality pasta for best texture and flavor.

• Butter, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Whole Milk, Parmesan Cheese: Rich dairy ingredients create luxurious, velvety sauce with deep, tangy flavor profiles, select fresh, high-fat content dairy for maximum creaminess.

• All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Black Pepper, Mustard Powder: Flavor enhancers and thickening agents that transform simple ingredients into a robust, well-balanced mac and cheese with subtle warmth and depth.

Essential Tools for Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta and creating enough space for stirring.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending cheese sauce smoothly without lumps.
• Wooden spoon: Helps stir ingredients and prevents sauce from sticking to pan.
• Cheese grater: Helps create fresh, melty cheese for authentic flavor.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Baking dish: Needed if preparing a baked mac and cheese version.

How to Cook Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese at Home

• Boil Pasta

Grab a big pot and fill it with water, tossing in a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil and drop in your pasta. Cook it until it’s perfectly tender but still has a slight bite, following the package guidelines.

• Drain and Rest

Once the pasta reaches thatal al dente stage, carefully pour it into a colander. Let the pasta sit for a moment, allowing excess water to drip away, creating the perfect base for your cheesy masterpiece.

Twist Ideas for Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese

• Let your butter and flour cook together for 1-2 minutes before adding milk to develop a richer, deeper roux flavor that transforms the entire sauce's complexity.
• Use a combination of sharp cheddar and creamy Gruyère for a more nuanced cheese profile that melts smoothly and adds incredible depth to your mac and cheese.
• Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Replace regular pasta with gluten-free elbow macaroni and use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux to make this classic comfort food accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Fold in cooked diced chicken, crispy bacon bits, or crumbled turkey sausage to transform this side dish into a hearty main course that'll satisfy hungry appetites.

Serve Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese with Comfort

• Creamy Comfort Companion: Pair this mac and cheese with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavors and add some fresh crunch.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with crispy bacon bits, grilled chicken strips, or diced ham to transform the dish into a more substantial meal that satisfies hearty appetites.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve in a large cast-iron skillet or colorful ceramic dish for a rustic, inviting presentation that encourages everyone to dig in and share the comfort food experience.
• Flavor Boost Extras: Sprinkle some breadcrumbs, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or a dash of smoked paprika on top to add extra texture and elevate the classic mac and cheese flavor profile.

Best Ways to Keep Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese Ready

• Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring optimal freshness and taste.
• Warm refrigerated mac and cheese in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture and prevent dryness during reheating.
• Portion cooled mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to maintain quality for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Prepare the entire dish in advance, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flavors to intensify and simplifying dinner preparation.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best for mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar provides the most flavor, but you can mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for depth and creaminess.

• How can I prevent my mac and cheese from becoming grainy?

Always shred your own cheese and add it gradually off the heat while stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour when making the cheese sauce roux.

• Is mac and cheese nutritionally balanced?

While delicious, mac and cheese is high in calories and should be enjoyed in moderation. Consider adding vegetables like broccoli or peas to increase nutritional value.

Grandma’s Hearty Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Classic comfort shines in this Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese recipe, delivering creamy pasta perfection. Cheese lovers will savor rich flavors and nostalgic warmth in every delightful bite you can’t resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni or pasta
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter
• 4 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk, warm
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

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Instructions

1. Boil Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Cheese Sauce Preparation: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a smooth roux. Gradually incorporate milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, and cook until the mixture thickens and becomes velvety.
3. Cheese Incorporation: Remove sauce from heat and fold in shredded cheddar, American, and Parmesan cheeses until completely melted and uniformly blended, creating a rich and creamy consistency.
4. Combine and Finish: Pour the molten cheese sauce over the drained pasta, gently folding to ensure every pasta strand is lavishly coated with the decadent cheese mixture.
5. Optional Baking: Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve: Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes before serving, ensuring the sauce sets slightly and maximizes flavor intensity.

Notes

• Salt Water Wisely: Use enough salt to enhance pasta flavor, but avoid over-salting; aim for sea-salty water that tastes like light ocean breeze.
• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente, typically 1-2 minutes less than package instructions to prevent mushiness when baking or mixing with cheese sauce.
• Drain Thoroughly: Shake colander completely to remove excess water, preventing watery mac and cheese; let pasta sit briefly to ensure maximum liquid removal.
• Temperature Balance: Allow hot pasta to cool slightly before adding cheese sauce to prevent sauce from breaking or becoming grainy, ensuring smooth and creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg