🧀 Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese
Old-fashioned macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort dish: creamy, cheesy, and baked until golden on top. Perfect as a side or a hearty main for a cozy meal.
🥄 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 tsp mustard powder (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mix cheddar & Colby)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tbsp butter (melted, for topping)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook pasta:
- Boil macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Make cheese sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Stir in mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1½ cups cheese until melted and smooth.
3️⃣ Combine pasta and sauce:
- Toss cooked macaroni with cheese sauce.
4️⃣ Bake (optional but traditional):
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour macaroni and cheese into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix remaining ½ cup cheese with breadcrumbs and sprinkle on top.
- Drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
5️⃣ Serve:
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving to set the cheese sauce slightly.
🌟 Tips for Classic Mac & Cheese
- Cheese choice: Sharp cheddar gives strong flavor; add Gruyère for a nutty richness.
- Creamier version: Skip baking and serve immediately after combining pasta and sauce.
- Extra flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the cheese sauce.
- Make ahead: Assemble in a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate; bake 30–35 minutes before serving.
I can also provide:
- 🥓 Bacon and cheddar baked mac & cheese
- 🌶️ Spicy jalapeño macaroni and cheese
- 🥬 Broccoli cheddar mac & cheese
- 🧄 Garlic herb macaroni and cheese
Do you want the bacon and cheddar version?
