Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese

This Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese recipe is a nostalgic tribute to a beloved comfort food classic. With its creamy, cheesy sauce enveloping tender elbow macaroni and a buttery, crispy crumb topping, this dish captures the essence of home-cooked warmth and satisfaction.

Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to delight both young and old alike. Its rich, velvety texture and golden, bubbly finish make it a standout choice for anyone seeking the ultimate comfort food experience.

Whether served as a hearty main or a delectable side, this macaroni and cheese recipe offers a taste of nostalgia and a comforting hug in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese recipe is a timeless favorite that captures the heart and palate with its rich flavors and comforting textures. Here are several reasons why people are sure to love this classic dish:

Ultimate Comfort Food

Macaroni and cheese is synonymous with comfort, offering a sense of warmth and nostalgia that few dishes can match. This recipe evokes memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings, providing a culinary hug that is both soothing and satisfying.

Creamy, Cheesy Goodness

The recipe features a luscious cheese sauce made from a blend of whole milk, half and half, and ample cheddar cheese, creating a creamy, velvety texture that envelops each piece of macaroni. The combination of rich dairy and sharp cheddar delivers a depth of flavor that is both indulgent and irresistible.

Perfectly Balanced Texture

The contrast between the smooth cheese sauce and the crisp, golden Panko crumb topping adds an exciting textural element to the dish. This balance between creamy and crunchy enhances the eating experience, making every bite a delightful mix of flavors and sensations.

Simple Yet Satisfying

With straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is accessible to cooks of all skill levels. Its simplicity allows the quality of the ingredients to shine, ensuring that the dish is both satisfying and delicious without being overly complicated.

Customizable to Taste

This recipe serves as a versatile base that can be customized to suit individual preferences. Add-ins such as bacon, ham, or vegetables like broccoli can be incorporated to enhance the dish further, allowing for endless variations that cater to different tastes and dietary needs.

Crowd-Pleaser

Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese is a dish that appeals to people of all ages, making it an ideal choice for gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners. Its universal appeal ensures that it will be a hit with both kids and adults alike, making it a reliable option for any occasion.

Nostalgic Appeal

For many, this dish is a cherished childhood favorite that evokes fond memories of simpler times. The familiar flavors and textures can transport diners back to their youth, offering a sense of nostalgia that enhances the enjoyment of the meal.

Key Ingredients:

Elbow Macaroni: This classic pasta shape is ideal for holding onto the creamy cheese sauce, providing the perfect base for this comforting dish.

Cheddar Cheese: The star of the sauce, cheddar cheese offers a sharp, tangy flavor and smooth, melty texture that defines this classic macaroni and cheese experience.

Milk and Half and Half: These dairy components combine to create a rich and creamy sauce, enhancing the overall texture and mouthfeel of the dish.

Butter and Flour: Together, they form the roux that thickens the cheese sauce, providing a smooth and cohesive texture that coats each piece of macaroni.

Ground Mustard: Adds a subtle depth and complexity to the flavor profile, complementing the sharpness of the cheddar cheese.

Panko Bread Crumbs: Used for the crumb topping, these bread crumbs create a crispy, golden layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce beneath.

Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese

Ingredients

16 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions.

5 tbsp butter, unsalted

¼ cup all purpose flour

1 ¼ tsp ground mustard

2 cups milk, whole or 2%

1 ½ cup half and half cream

4 cups Cheddar Cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Crumb Topping:

½ cup Panko bread crumbs

2 tbsp butter, unsalted and melted

Instructions

Place the butter in a saucepan on medium heat.

Add the flour to the melted butter and stir for 1 minute

Slowly add in the milk and the half and half, ground mustard, salt and pepper, whisking as you add each

Remove from the heat and add in the shredded cheese a little at a time.

Continue stirring as you add the cheese

Drain and rinse the elbow macaroni and place back into baking dish

Carefully pour the cheese mixture over the macaroni

Stir to mix well

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Mix the ingredients for the topping in a separate bowl and sprinkle on top of the macaroni and cheese

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil

Bake at 350* for 40 to 45 minutes

Remove the foil from the dish and return to the oven to broil the top for a minute or two.

Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Cheese Selection: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with a blend of cheeses for added depth of flavor. Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or fontina can be excellent additions to the mix.

Pasta Cooking: Cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming too soft and mushy.

Baking Dish: Use a shallow, wide baking dish to ensure even cooking and a nicely browned top. A glass or ceramic dish works well for this recipe.

Topping Variations: For a more flavorful topping, consider adding grated parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of paprika to the Panko bread crumbs before baking.

Make Ahead Option: This dish can be prepared in advance by assembling it without baking. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to a day, then bake just before serving. This makes it a convenient option for busy days or entertaining.

Broiling Tip: Keep a close eye on the dish during the broiling step to avoid burning the crumb topping. It should be just golden brown and crispy.

Serving Suggestions: Macaroni and cheese pairs well with a variety of sides, such as a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats. It also works beautifully as a standalone dish for a comforting meal.

Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature to maintain the creamy texture and prevent the cheese sauce from separating.

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 16 SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of cheese in this macaroni and cheese recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste preferences.

While Cheddar cheese is traditional, you can try adding Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses for a unique flavor.

Can I use skim milk or low-fat milk instead of whole or 2% milk?

While whole or 2% milk provides a creamier texture, you can use skim milk or low-fat milk as a lighter option.

Keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less rich, but it will still be delicious.

Can I make this macaroni and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the macaroni and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking.

When ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature, and bake according to the instructions.

How do I store leftover macaroni and cheese?

Store leftover macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven until heated through.

Can I freeze macaroni and cheese?

Yes, you can freeze macaroni and cheese for future meals.

To freeze, transfer cooled macaroni and cheese to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.

Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I serve with macaroni and cheese?

Macaroni and cheese pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as green salad, steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or roasted chicken.

It also makes a satisfying main dish on its own.

Can I make this macaroni and cheese gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free elbow macaroni and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

What can I use instead of Panko bread crumbs for the topping?

If you don’t have Panko bread crumbs, you can use regular bread crumbs or crushed crackers as a topping for the macaroni and cheese.

Can I add additional ingredients to this macaroni and cheese?

Yes, feel free to customize this recipe by adding ingredients such as cooked bacon, diced ham, sautéed onions, or chopped vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added flavor and texture.

How can I make this macaroni and cheese more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor of this macaroni and cheese by adding spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.

You can also experiment with adding herbs like thyme or parsley for a fresh taste.