If there’s one dish that feels like a big, warm hug from childhood, it’s Old Fashion Mac and Cheese. This timeless classic is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender elbow macaroni in an ultra-creamy, cheesy sauce, then baking it to golden, bubbling perfection. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic trip down memory lane or simply want a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this recipe delivers everything you love about homemade mac and cheese, right down to the crispy breadcrumb topping and gooey, melty center. It’s cozy, satisfying, and endlessly inviting, so let’s dive into my absolute favorite way to make Old Fashion Mac and Cheese!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Old Fashion Mac and Cheese is beautifully simple, but each ingredient brings something special to the table—richness, savoriness, or that irresistible golden crust. Gather these basics and you’ll be well on your way to creating mac and cheese magic from scratch.
- Elbow Macaroni (16 ounces): The classic pasta shape that soaks up every bit of creamy sauce.
- Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons): The foundation for the velvety roux and rich flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Essential for thickening your homemade cheese sauce to just the right consistency.
- Whole Milk (4 cups): Gives the sauce body and a deep, creamy taste.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Adds irresistible silkiness you’ll notice in every bite.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out all those cheesy and savory notes perfectly.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle kick that complements the cheese blend.
- Ground Mustard (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a gentle tang and depth—your secret ingredient!
- Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): For a bit of color and smoky warmth.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded (4 cups): The backbone of classic flavor and signature meltiness.
- Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (1 cup): Makes the sauce extra stretchy and decadent.
- Parmesan Cheese, grated (1/2 cup): Adds savory depth and that gorgeous browned top.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Your crunchy, toasty topping for the perfect finish.
- Melted Butter (2 tablespoons): Mixed with breadcrumbs for that golden crust you’ll crave.
How to Make Old Fashion Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) for that perfect bubbly finish. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and every cheesy scoop slides out effortlessly.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
Boil the elbow macaroni in generously salted water until just al dente—usually a minute less than the package says. Drain it well and set aside; you want the pasta to have a little bite, since it will keep cooking in the oven.
Step 3: Make Your Roux
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste and cook it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step builds a silky base and cooks out any raw flour taste.
Step 4: Whisk in Milk and Cream
Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking all the while to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens up, about 5 to 7 minutes—it should coat the back of a spoon beautifully.
Step 5: Season It Up
Once your sauce is thick, stir in the salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and paprika. These seasonings are subtle but utterly essential for balancing the cheeses and lifting all those classic Old Fashion Mac and Cheese flavors.
Step 6: Add the Cheeses
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and transforms the sauce into a creamy, dreamy wonder—you’ll know you’ve hit the jackpot when it’s silky and lavishly cheesy.
Step 7: Bring the Pasta and Sauce Together
Fold the drained macaroni into the sauce, ensuring every nook and cranny is smothered in that luscious cheese mixture. Transfer this glorious pasta to your prepared baking dish and smooth out the top for even baking.
Step 8: Top with Buttery Breadcrumbs
In a small bowl, combine your breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery topping evenly across the pasta, creating the promise of a crunch you’ll hear with every forkful.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, golden brown top with irresistible edges—let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the cheese sets just enough to slice cleanly.
How to Serve Old Fashion Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
Sometimes a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a dash of smoked paprika on top right before serving adds just the right pop of color and a hint of fresh, herby aroma to your Old Fashion Mac and Cheese. For extra pizzazz, a light dusting of grated Parmesan gives an irresistible final flourish.
Side Dishes
As hearty and satisfying as Old Fashion Mac and Cheese is on its own, it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or sautéed greens to brighten up your plate. If you’re feeding a crowd, consider setting out some classic sides like stewed tomatoes or buttery garlic bread for maximum comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your Old Fashion Mac and Cheese really stand out, serve it in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets—everyone loves their own bubbly dish! For potlucks, offer a toppings bar with chopped crispy bacon, scallions, or even hot sauce for those who like a personal twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (not always a given!), let the Old Fashion Mac and Cheese cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay delicious for up to four days and reheats beautifully for quick comfort.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze portions of your Old Fashion Mac and Cheese. Wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe dish, and it will keep well for up to two months. For best results, freeze before baking and bake straight from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Reheating
To recapture that glorious creaminess, gently reheat Old Fashion Mac and Cheese in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if it looks a little dry, give it a stir, and cover loosely with foil to keep the top from over-browning.
FAQs
How do I keep my Old Fashion Mac and Cheese from turning out grainy?
The secret is to add cheese off the heat, stirring until just melted. Overheating the cheese can cause it to separate and get grainy—so be gentle and patient for the creamiest results!
Can I make Old Fashion Mac and Cheese gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and swap in a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used for the topping as well.
What’s the best cheese combination for Old Fashion Mac and Cheese?
While sharp cheddar is classic for bold flavor, blending in mozzarella gives stretch and creaminess, and Parmesan adds nutty depth. Don’t be afraid to experiment—Gruyère or fontina are also delicious additions!
Can I add protein or veggies to Old Fashion Mac and Cheese?
Definitely! Stir in cooked bacon, shredded rotisserie chicken, or caramelized onions for extra heartiness. Peas, broccoli florets, or tomatoes also fit right in if you want to sneak in some veggies.
Why does Old Fashion Mac and Cheese sometimes dry out in the oven?
That usually happens if it’s baked too long or at too high a temperature. Covering loosely with foil and making sure the pasta is just al dente before saucing will help preserve its creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s really nothing like digging into a bubbling dish of Old Fashion Mac and Cheese, especially when you’re sharing it with people you love. I hope this recipe brings as much comfort and joy to your table as it has to mine. Dive in and let every cheesy, nostalgic bite remind you why this classic never goes out of style!
Print
Old Fashion Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this classic comfort food with a homemade twist. This old-fashioned mac and cheese recipe is baked to perfection, combining creamy cheeses and a crunchy breadcrumb topping for a satisfyingly cheesy dish.
Ingredients
Macaroni:
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Macaroni: Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and cream. Cook until thickened. Season and add cheeses, stirring until melted.
- Combine and Bake: Mix macaroni with cheese sauce, transfer to baking dish. Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon or caramelized onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
