Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese

If you are looking for the best Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe this will soon become one of your favorites! Made with a few simple ingredients, this homemade mac and cheese is amazing!

This recipe is perfect for even the pickiest eater in your family.

Everyone loves classic mac and it’s so good, and cheesy, and truly is the ultimate comfort food! This might be the easiest mac’ n cheese recipe, and it’s so good, it’s the perfect meal after a long day at work, or for a quick family dinner.

If you love this old-fashioned macaroni recipe, try my recipe for Carnitas Burrito Bowl Recipe, Copycat Wendy’s Taco Salad, or Best One Hour Instant Pot Korean Beef Short Ribs.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• The ultimate cheesy comfort food!
• Forget the macaroni and powdered cheese, this recipe is so easy, it will soon be your favorite recipe!
• Perfect for graduations, holidays, or just sharing among your friends, this old-fashioned macaroni will be loved by all.
• A take on my friend Libby’s Southern dish, with real cheese! (Did I mention cheese?)

My recipe for Old-fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is amazing, it’s the perfect side dish for any occasion. Other great recipes to try are Air Fryer Southern Dressing, Air Fryer Cornbread Sausage Stuffing, or Air Fryer Baked Beans.

Ingredients Needed

• Sharp cheddar cheese: Bold, tangy cheese that adds rich, sharp flavor.
• Colby jack cheese: Mild and creamy cheese blend for smooth melt.
• Mozzarella cheese: Soft, stretchy cheese for gooey, melty texture.
• Cavatappi or macaroni noodles: Curly pasta that holds creamy cheese sauce well.
• Garlic powder: Adds savory depth and flavor to the dish.
• Paprika: Mild spice that adds color and subtle warmth.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the richness.
• Ground pepper: Adds a touch of spice and earthy heat
• Butter: Creates a rich base for the roux and sauce.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce to creamy perfection.
• Evaporated milk: Adds creaminess without watering down the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously rich and smooth cheese sauce.
• Dijon mustard: Adds tangy depth and sharpens cheesy flavors.

Instructions

Step One: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside. Shred all blocks of cheese and mix together in a large bowl; set aside.

Step Two: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step Three: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; set aside. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half of the seasoning mix and stir for about 30 seconds. Whisk the flour into the butter to make a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step Four: Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk, followed by the heavy cream. Keep whisking until fully combined and the sauce begins to thicken. Stir in the remaining seasoning and Dijon mustard.

Step Five: Add half of the shredded cheese to the sauce, one handful at a time. Whisk well between each addition, making sure it fully melts before adding more. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle with half of the reserved shredded cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the rest of the shredded cheese.

Step Six: Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly. Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Tips

🧀 Shred your own cheese – Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can interfere with smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese results in a creamier, richer sauce.

🔥 Don’t overcook the pasta – Boil the noodles just until al dente. Because they will continue cooking in the oven, slightly undercooked is perfect.

🥄 Use a roux for a thick sauce – A simple butter and flour roux provides structure and helps the cheese sauce cling to every bite of pasta.

🧂 Season every layer – Lightly season your roux, cheese sauce, and pasta so as to create flavor throughout.

🥘 Let it rest before serving – Allow the mac and cheese to sit for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps everything set and makes it easier to cut and serve.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and hold them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The mac and cheese must be totally cool if plastic-wrapped, or condensation will form as its temperature rises inside the former small loop of warm air.

• Freezing: Wrap macaroni and cheese in aluminum foil after cooling and freeze them for up to 2 months. The texture will remain closer to its original state for longer periods of time if it is frozen before baking; this way, when you are ready to use your macaroni and cheese, bake fresh at serving time.
• Reheating: Cover the dish with foil, then reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heat penetrates through to the center.

What To Serve With Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Old-fashioned baked macaroni and cheese pairs well with a variety of sides to round out your meal. For a classic comfort food combo, serve it with crispy fried chicken, meatloaf, or barbecue ribs.

For a healthy side dish serve with Air Fryer Broccoli With Ranch Seasoning, Easy Creamed Spinach (Best Steakhouse Recipe), or Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad to balance the richness. Air Fryer Jiffy Cornbread, Air Fryer Cabbage Chips, or coleslaw also make great additions.

Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Faqs

What type of cheese works best? A combination of sharp cheddar and Colby Jack cheese should melt down fine, adding lots of rich creaminess in taste. With this mixture, you can add mozzarella or Gruyère to increase the richness further yet.

Can I make it ahead of time? Yes! Make the mac and cheese, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time.

How do I prevent the sauce from turning grainy? Use freshly shredded cheese and set the heat low when making the sauce. Do not let the mixture stand too long once cheese is added.

Can I add breadcrumbs on top? Of course! Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them on top before baking. You’ll get a crunchy, golden brown crust.

Can I use other kinds of pasta? Yes! Elbow macaroni is traditional, but cavatappi, shells, and penne all have tender skin.

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