Take a trip down memory lane with our Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese recipe, a timeless classic that promises to delight taste buds and warm hearts. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a creamy blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, baked to golden perfection – this dish is a comforting hug on a plate. Simple yet satisfying, it’s a go-to recipe for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a hearty meal. Follow our step-by-step guide to recreate this beloved comfort food in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
3 cups dry elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons salted butter
2 (370 mL/12 oz) cans evaporated milk
1/3 cup milk of choice
2 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon paprika
Directions:
Boil the Macaroni: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt and the dry elbow macaroni. Cook the macaroni until it reaches the al dente stage, then drain it and return it to the pot.
Incorporate Butter: Once the macaroni is back in the pot, add the salted butter and gently stir until the butter is completely melted, coating the macaroni evenly. Set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the evaporated milk, your choice of milk, eggs, and garlic salt. Whisk the ingredients together until they are thoroughly blended. In a separate bowl, mix the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
Preheat and Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Layering: Begin by layering one-third of the cooked macaroni at the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Follow this with one-third of the cheese mixture. Repeat this process until all the macaroni and cheese are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
Final Touch: Evenly pour the milk mixture over the layered macaroni and cheese. Sprinkle paprika across the top for a hint of color and flavor.
Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the mac and cheese from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Scoop generous portions onto plates and savor the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Serving Tips:
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the mac and cheese just before serving to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Pair with a Side Salad: Serve your mac and cheese alongside a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette dressing for a well-balanced meal.
Customize with Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings such as crispy bacon bits, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños for guests to personalize their mac and cheese experience.
Serve with Garlic Bread: Accompany your mac and cheese with warm, buttery garlic bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Present in Individual Ramekins: For a stylish presentation, portion the mac and cheese into individual ramekins before baking and serve them directly to each guest.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for quick and easy meals, or reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Freezing: To freeze mac and cheese, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
Thawing: Thaw frozen mac and cheese overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve its texture and flavor.
Freshen Up Before Serving: If the mac and cheese seems dry after refrigeration, add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to restore its creamy consistency.
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FAQs:
Can I use different types of cheese in this mac and cheese recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese combinations. Gouda, fontina, or pepper jack can add unique flavors and textures to your mac and cheese creation.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this mac and cheese ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of baking, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Certainly! You can easily make this mac and cheese gluten-free by using gluten-free elbow macaroni instead of traditional wheat-based pasta. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, such as the cheese and seasonings, are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
How can I add more flavor to this mac and cheese recipe?
To enhance the flavor of your mac and cheese, consider adding ingredients such as diced cooked bacon, sautéed onions, roasted garlic, or chopped jalapeños to the cheese mixture before baking. You can also experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, mustard powder, or cayenne pepper to customize the taste to your liking.
Conclusion:
Embrace the nostalgia and treat yourself to a serving of our Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese. With its rich, creamy texture and irresistible cheesy flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether served as a main dish or alongside your favorite barbecue or roast, this classic comfort food is guaranteed to bring smiles to faces and warmth to hearts. So, gather your loved ones, preheat your oven, and indulge in the comforting goodness of homemade mac and cheese.
📖 Recipe:
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Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this classic Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Ingredients
3 cups dry elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons salted butter
2 (370 mL/12 oz) cans evaporated milk
1/3 cup milk of choice
2 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the macaroni by boiling it until al dente, then draining and mixing with butter.
- Combine evaporated milk, milk, eggs, and garlic salt in a bowl.
- Layer macaroni and cheese mixture in a baking pan, then pour milk mixture over the top.
- Sprinkle with paprika and bake until golden and bubbly.
Notes
For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon or diced jalapenos before baking.
Feel free to customize the cheese blend to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal
