Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese (The BEST Comfort Food!)

This Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food! It's a creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying dish that's made with simple ingredients and baked to golden-brown perfection. I love how this recipe captures the classic flavors of homemade mac and cheese, with a rich and cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked macaroni. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you're craving a taste of pure comfort.

Why You'll Love This Mac and Cheese

• Classic Comfort Food: This recipe is a timeless classic that's sure to bring back fond memories.
• Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of evaporated milk, milk, eggs, cheddar, and mozzarella creates an unbelievably creamy and cheesy sauce.
• Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
• Baked to Perfection: Baking the mac and cheese creates a golden-brown, bubbly top and a creamy interior.
• Family Favorite: This is a dish that everyone in the family will love.

Ingredients for Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Here's what you'll need to make this classic dish. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Main Ingredients

• Dry elbow macaroni (Pasta)
• Salted butter (Fat)
• Evaporated milk (Dairy)
• Milk of choice (whole, 2%, or alternative milk) (Dairy/Dairy Alternative)
• Large eggs (Binder)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (Dairy)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (Dairy)

Seasoning

• Garlic Salt
• Paprika

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love this Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:

• Different Cheeses: Use a blend of cheeses, such as Gruyere, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
• Add Bacon: Stir in some cooked and crumbled bacon for added flavor and texture.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Add Vegetables: Toss in some cooked broccoli florets, peas, or spinach.
• Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle some breadcrumbs over the top before baking for a crispy topping.

How to Make Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Let me show you how easy it is to make this Good Ole Fashioned Mac and Cheese:

Boil the Pasta

1. I bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. I add the dry elbow macaroni and cook it until al dente, about 7-8 minutes.
3. I drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

Coat the Pasta with Butter

1. I stir in the salted butter until it's melted and the macaroni is evenly coated. This prevents the pasta from sticking together and adds a layer of richness.

Prepare the Milk and Egg Mixture

1. In a large bowl, I whisk together the evaporated milk, milk, eggs, and garlic salt until smooth and well-combined.

Prepare the Cheese

1. In a separate bowl, I mix together the shredded cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese.

Layer the Macaroni and Cheese

1. I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. I lightly spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
3. I layer ⅓ of the buttered macaroni in the dish, followed by ⅓ of the cheese mixture.
4. I repeat the layers twice, finishing with a final layer of cheese on top.

Pour the Milk Mixture

1. I evenly pour the milk and egg mixture over the layered macaroni and cheese, making sure the liquid seeps through all the layers.

Add Paprika and Bake

1. I sprinkle paprika over the top (optional) for added flavor and color.
2. I place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Let it Cool

1. I remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the mac and cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Mac and Cheese

Here are my secrets for making this mac and cheese truly exceptional:

• Use Elbow Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for mac and cheese because its shape holds the sauce well.
• Salt the Pasta Water: Salting the pasta water seasons the pasta from the inside out.
• Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until it's al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a more intense flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
• Let it Rest: Letting the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes after baking allows the sauce to thicken slightly.

How to Serve

This Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese is perfect for:

• Family Dinners: A comforting and satisfying meal for any night of the week.
• Potlucks: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser at potlucks and gatherings.
• Holidays: A classic side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
• Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or your favorite main course.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can assemble the mac and cheese (without baking) ahead of time and store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve. Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

FAQs about Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese

• Can I use a different type of pasta?
  • Yes, you can use any type of short pasta, such as shells, rotini, or cavatappi.
• Can I make this without the eggs?
  • Yes, you can.
• Can I freeze this mac and cheese?
  • Yes, you can.

Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and comforting Good Ole Fashioned Mac and Cheese! It's a classic dish that's sure to become a family favorite.

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