Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese Recipe will have your childhood memories swelling up!
Simple ingredients of cheese, eggs, milk, and pasta combined to create comfort food worth sharing!
Does it get any better than homemade macaroni and cheese?
There’s just something so good and comforting about this cheesy pasta dish.
I love making homemade mac and cheese. I have a quick stovetop mac and cheese that’s perfect for lunch.
And then there’s this baked version that seems to be extra creamy and because it’s baked it gets a delicious crunchy topping that’s irresistible.
This version reminds me of my mom’s mac and cheese.
She always topped hers with crushed saltine crackers instead of the panko crumbs.
Either way, this old fashioned macaroni and cheese is sure to please!
Ingredients
3 cups dry elbow macaroni
4 Tbsp salted butter
2 (370 mL/12 oz) cans evaporated milk
1/3 cup milk of choice
2 large eggs
1/4 tsp garlic salt
4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 tsp paprika
How To Make Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and macaroni, and cook until al dente.
Drain and return to the pot.
Add in the butter and stir until the butter is melted. Set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together the evaporated milk, milk, eggs and garlic salt until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, mix together the cheeses.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Layer 1/3 of the macaroni, then 1/3 of the cheese.
Repeat with the remaining macaroni and cheese mixture.
Pour the milk mixture over top. Sprinkle the paprika evenly on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
To store leftover mac and cheese, follow these steps:
Storing in the Fridge:
Cool down: Let the mac and cheese cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes).
Store in an airtight container: Transfer the cooled mac and cheese into an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods.
Refrigerate: Place the container in the fridge. It will last for about 3-4 days.
Freezing for Longer Storage:
Cool completely: Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely before freezing.
Portion it out: If you want to freeze smaller servings, divide the mac and cheese into individual portions.
Wrap tightly: Wrap the portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. You can also place it in a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag.
Freeze: Store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
From the fridge: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or bake at 350°F until heated through (about 15-20 minutes).
From frozen: If frozen, it’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, but you can also bake from frozen at 350°F for 45-60 minutes, covered with foil, until hot.
Storing it properly will help you enjoy this delicious dish for a longer time!
There are plenty of ways to customize your old-fashioned mac and cheese to suit your taste or make it a bit more unique.
For a creamy variation, you can swap out some of the milk for heavy cream or add a little bit of cream cheese to the sauce for extra richness.
Spice it up by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the milk mixture for a subtle kick.
If you want a healthier version, try using whole wheat pasta or a lower-fat cheese like reduced-fat cheddar, though it may affect the creaminess.
For a more savory twist, incorporate cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or even spinach for added flavor and texture.
To make the dish even more indulgent, top it with a layer of crispy panko breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers for that crunchy golden topping.
Finally, be sure not to overcook the macaroni—cook it just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when baked.
With these variations and tips, you can easily make this mac and cheese your own!
The nutritional information for homemade mac and cheese can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used, but generally, a serving of this dish is rich in calories, fat, and protein.
A typical serving (about 1 cup) of baked mac and cheese may contain around 300-400 calories, depending on the amount of cheese and butter used.
It also tends to be high in saturated fat due to the butter and cheese, with approximately 15-20 grams of fat per serving.
The dish provides a good amount of protein, usually around 15 grams per serving, thanks to the combination of cheese and eggs.
Additionally, it can be a source of calcium from the cheese and other essential vitamins like vitamin A, but it may be low in fiber unless you add vegetables or use whole grain pasta.
While mac and cheese is a comforting and indulgent dish, it is best enjoyed in moderation due to its calorie density and high-fat content.