If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy delight that feels like a warm hug from your childhood kitchen, this Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together the perfect blend of creamy evaporated milk, a double dose of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and tender elbow macaroni baked to bubbly, golden perfection. This is not just any mac and cheese—it’s the classic dish that reinvents simplicity with rich flavor, making every bite irresistibly satisfying and nostalgic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe plays a vital role in crafting its luscious texture and deep flavor. From the sharpness of cheddar to the creamy richness of evaporated milk, these simple staples come together to create magic in your baking dish.
- 3 cups dry elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds sauce perfectly and provides that ideal chewy bite.
- 4 tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and helps coat the macaroni for silky smoothness.
- 2 (370 mL/12 oz) cans evaporated milk: Offers a creamy consistency without weighing the dish down like heavy cream.
- 1/3 cup milk of choice: Balances the thickness of evaporated milk and adds a touch of freshness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the cheese sauce for a custardy, luscious finish after baking.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt: Sprinkles in a gentle savory note enhancing the cheese flavors.
- 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded: Brings sharpness and color—no shortcut here, shredding fresh is key.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully for creaminess and a stretchy texture everyone loves.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky touch and gives the top that beautiful golden hue.
How to Make Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by boiling your elbow macaroni in salted water until it reaches al dente – tender but still with a slight bite. This ensures your pasta won’t turn mushy once baked. Drain the macaroni thoroughly and immediately toss it with the salted butter to coat every piece in that silky richness. This step is crucial as it prevents the noodles from sticking and starts building flavor right away.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Milk Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, your chosen milk, eggs, and garlic salt. The eggs work like a magic glue, binding the cheese sauce and pasta together while baking, and the garlic salt gently enhances the overall savoriness. Make sure this mixture is well combined but avoid overmixing so the eggs don’t curdle during baking.
Step 3: Layer and Assemble
In a greased baking pan, spread half of the macaroni evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella over the pasta, then layer the remaining macaroni and top with the rest of the cheeses. Pour the milk and egg mixture evenly over everything, allowing it to seep into every nook—this is what transforms the dish into that gooey, luscious masterpiece.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Finish by sprinkling the top with paprika to add a subtle smokiness and gorgeous golden color once baked. Bake your dish in a preheated oven until the cheese is bubbling and the crust turns perfectly golden brown, about 30-40 minutes. The smell alone will pull everyone to the kitchen, eager to dive into this classic comfort food.
How to Serve Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
While the mac and cheese shines on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a punch of color and freshness that balances the richness. For an extra indulgent touch, cracked black pepper or a dash of hot sauce on the side can awaken the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pairing this Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad or roasted vegetables brings contrast and lightness. For the heartier crowd, barbecue ribs or crispy fried chicken complement the creamy dish perfectly, making for a truly satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the mac and cheese in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled a minute for a crisp crust. Alternatively, stuffing bell peppers with the mac and cheese mixture before baking creates an adorable, colorful presentation that’s as fun as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe is one of those rare treats that taste just as good the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before refrigerating, allow it to cool completely to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep this comfort food magic longer, freezing is a great option. Portion the mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat your mac and cheese gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to restore its creamy texture. You can cover it with foil to prevent the top from drying out and add a splash of milk before reheating if it looks a bit dry. The microwave works too—just heat in short intervals and stir in between.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, other small pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or penne also hold the cheese sauce beautifully and make a great substitute.
Is evaporated milk necessary for this recipe?
Evaporated milk lends a creamy, rich texture without being too heavy like cream. You can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half, but the texture and flavor won’t be quite as luscious.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe is already vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat. Just make sure your cheese is made with vegetarian rennet if that’s a concern for you.
How spicy is this recipe?
This mac and cheese is mild and comforting, with the paprika adding only a gentle smokiness, not heat. You can easily add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if you prefer a little kick.
Can I prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time before baking?
Yes! You can assemble the dish up to a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, bake it just a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly.
Final Thoughts
This Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe is truly a kitchen treasure that never goes out of style. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, comfort, and memories in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your own special touch. Prepare to fall in love all over again with this classic made-from-scratch favorite!
Print
Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic. Made with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, evaporated milk, and a touch of garlic salt and paprika, this baked mac and cheese is rich and satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it yields 8 generous servings with a golden, bubbly crust.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
Dairy & Eggs
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 (370 mL/12 oz) cans evaporated milk
- 1/3 cup milk of choice
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain thoroughly and return the pasta to the pot. Stir in the salted butter until melted and evenly coated over the macaroni.
- Prepare the milk and egg mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, milk of choice, eggs, and garlic salt until fully combined and smooth. This mixture will provide the creamy custard base for the mac and cheese.
- Assemble the dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased baking pan, layer half of the macaroni, followed by half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining macaroni and cheeses. Pour the prepared milk and egg mixture evenly over the top layers.
- Add the finishing touch and bake: Sprinkle the paprika evenly over the assembled dish to add color and a subtle smoky flavor. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the custard to set, making it easier to serve hearty portions.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or cream instead of the milk of choice.
- You can substitute the cheddar and mozzarella with other cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack for a different taste.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta during boiling, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- To add a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
