Cozy Home-Style Mac and Cheese Recipe: A Nostalgic Delight

Comfort arrives in a creamy, golden mac and cheese that hugs your taste buds with nostalgic warmth.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this classic dish with love and tradition.

Generations of home cooks have perfected the art of blending rich cheeses into tender pasta.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through melted cheddar and velvety sauce.

The simple ingredients come together in a symphony of flavor that speaks to memories of family gatherings.

Bubbling hot from the oven, this mac and cheese transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Reasons to Love This Classic Mac and Cheese

Unleash Comfort Cooking: Reasons to Love This Mac and Cheese

• Foolproof Family Favorite: Super simple recipe that guarantees delicious results even for beginner cooks, with straightforward steps anyone can master.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Delivers ultimate cheesy satisfaction that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or casual gatherings.
• Customizable Cheese Delight: Flexible recipe allowing easy modifications with different cheese blends or added mix-ins like crispy bacon or breadcrumbs for personalized touch.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Minimal kitchen equipment needed, quick assembly process, and one-pan baking method ensure minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.

Ingredients for Homemade Mac and Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: Soft and tender pasta perfect for mac and cheese.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Rich and melty cheese combination for ultimate flavor.
• Evaporated Milk, Milk, Eggs: Creamy foundation that binds the dish together.
• Salted Butter, Garlic Salt, Paprika: Flavor enhancers that add depth and warmth to the dish.
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.

How to Make Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a vigorous boil.

Drop in elbow macaroni and cook until tender but still firm, stirring occasionally.

Once done, drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

Step 2: Butter Up the Pasta

Toss the warm macaroni with salted butter, ensuring each noodle gets a delicious coating.

Let the butter melt completely, creating a slick base for the cheese.

Step 3: Prepare Liquid Magic

• Evaporated milk
• Regular milk
• Eggs
• Garlic salt

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Create Cheese Blend

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Mix thoroughly to distribute the cheeses evenly.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 6: Layer Deliciousness

• First layer: Buttered macaroni
• Second layer: Cheese mixture
• Repeat these layers twice, finishing with cheese on top

Step 7: Add Moisture

Pour the milk and egg mixture evenly over the layered macaroni, ensuring it seeps between the layers.

Step 8: Sprinkle Final Touch

Dust the top with paprika for a hint of color and subtle flavor.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with cheesy excitement.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes.

This helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the ultimate comfort food with loved ones.

Tips for the Creamiest Mac and Cheese

• Toss shredded cheese with a tablespoon of flour to help it melt smoothly and prevent stringy, clumpy texture.
• Add a dash of mustard powder or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the cheese's richness and complexity.
• Let the mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and become more velvety.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for an extra crunchy, golden-brown crust.
• Substitute lactose-free milk and cheese, or use gluten-free pasta and flour for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Store Mac and Cheese the Smart Way

• Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled mac and cheese to a freezer-safe container. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen mac and cheese can last up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Sprinkle a little milk over the mac and cheese, cover with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warmed.

Favorite Sides for Mac and Cheese

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a medium-bodied white wine with subtle oak notes that complement the rich, creamy cheese flavors and cut through the dish's heaviness.
• Serve with Tangy Coleslaw: Add a refreshing, crunchy side dish with vinegar-based dressing to balance the mac and cheese's richness and provide textural contrast.
• Match with Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork: Create a classic Southern-style combo where the meat's intense flavor enhances the mac and cheese's creamy, mild profile.
• Select Robust Red Ale: Choose a malty beer with slight bitterness that stands up to the cheese's strong flavor and cleanses the palate between bites.

Fun Twists on Classic Mac and Cheese

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Swap regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to create a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Comfort Mac: Replace dairy cheese with cashew-based cheese, use nutritional yeast, and substitute eggs with a flax egg mixture for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Mac: Substitute macaroni with riced cauliflower, use full-fat cheese, and maintain the creamy texture while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Protein-Packed Mac: Add cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits between cheese layers, and incorporate protein-rich cottage cheese into the milk mixture for extra nutrition.

FAQs

• Why use evaporated milk in this mac and cheese recipe?

Evaporated milk adds richness and creaminess to the dish without making it too runny. It helps create a smooth, velvety texture that traditional milk can’t achieve.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for cheddar and mozzarella, you can experiment with other cheeses like monterey jack, gruyere, or gouda to create your own unique flavor profile.

• Is it necessary to layer the mac and cheese?

Layering helps distribute the cheese and milk mixture evenly, ensuring that every bite is creamy and flavorful. It also helps create a more cohesive and delicious final dish.

• What does paprika do in this recipe?

Paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful golden color to the top of the mac and cheese. It’s a simple way to enhance both the taste and visual appeal of the dish.

Good Ole Fashion Mac And Cheese Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting mac and cheese brings nostalgic southern charm to dinner tables with creamy goodness and sharp cheddar warmth. Classic comfort blends rich cheese sauce and tender pasta, promising hearty satisfaction for hungry families craving home-style deliciousness.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
• 2 large eggs

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) salted butter
• 2 cans (12 fluid ounces) evaporated milk
• 1/3 cup milk of choice

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Fill a generously sized pot with water, season with salt, and bring to a vigorous boil.
2. Add elbow macaroni and cook until perfectly tender, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain thoroughly and return pasta to the original pot.
3. Incorporate salted butter into the warm pasta, ensuring each noodle becomes luxuriously coated. Set aside momentarily.
4. Whisk evaporated milk, additional milk, eggs, and garlic salt in a spacious mixing bowl until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
5. Separately, combine shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, creating a rich, tantalizing blend.
6. Heat the oven to 375°F, preparing it for the upcoming culinary masterpiece.
7. Coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray, preventing potential cheese adhesion.
8. Construct delectable layers by alternating buttered macaroni and cheese mixture, creating three distinct tiers with cheese as the crowning layer.
9. Gently cascade the milk and egg mixture across the assembled dish, ensuring even distribution.
10. Dust the surface with a delicate sprinkle of paprika, adding a subtle warmth and visual appeal.
11. Transfer the assembled mac and cheese into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform into a golden, bubbling delicacy.
12. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top achieves a beautiful golden-brown hue and edges become irresistibly crispy.
13. Remove from the oven and allow a brief resting period, permitting the cheese to settle and flavors to harmonize.
14. Serve immediately, celebrating this classic comfort food with beloved companions.

Notes

• Choose high-quality cheddar and mozzarella for rich, melty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Allow butter to coat macaroni completely for extra richness and preventing sticking.
• Whisk milk mixture thoroughly to ensure smooth, creamy texture without egg lumps.
• Grate cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded to achieve superior melting consistency.
• Experiment with additional seasonings like smoked paprika or cayenne for subtle flavor complexity.
• For gluten-free version, substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Let mac and cheese rest briefly after baking to help sauce set and make serving easier.
• Reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes if preferring a softer, less crispy top layer.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 393
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 601 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg