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Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
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Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese is a timeless, creamy comfort food made with simple pantry staples like elbow macaroni and sharp cheddar cheese. This classic recipe balances a smooth cheese sauce with tender pasta for a nostalgic dish perfect as a main or side, beloved by families and food lovers for generations.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
  • 3 cups whole milk, at room temperature
  • 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and at room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Topping

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling 2 cups of elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente. The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite, as it will cook further in the cheese sauce.
  2. Prepare the Roux: Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour) until the mixture forms a smooth paste. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: Gradually add 3 cups of whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Allow the sauce to thicken until it coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder, salt, and pepper until fully melted and creamy.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked macaroni well and fold it into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
  5. Optional Baking: For a golden crust, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle 1/2 cup breadcrumbs evenly on top, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Notes

  • Use Sharp Cheese: The stronger the cheddar, the more robust the flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Slightly undercook the macaroni to avoid mushiness after mixing with sauce.
  • Constant Whisking: Helps prevent lumps when adding milk to the roux.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Using milk and cheese at room temperature allows smoother melting and creamier sauce.
  • Add Cheese Off-Heat: Stir in cheese after removing from heat to prevent graininess.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in airtight container; freeze up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave with splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, classic macaroni and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, family recipe, cheesy pasta, old-fashioned mac and cheese

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/old-fashioned-mac-and-cheese/