Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Old fashioned baked macaroni and cheese recipe features soft pasta tossed in a creamy cheese sauce made with 2 different types of cheese and béchamel sauce (white sauce) and a crunchy topping.

This classic American recipe is easy to make; it will be ready in just 35 minutes. Serve with Roasted Green Beans and Carrots or Crispy Herb Roasted Potatoes for the best family dinner ever.

For more mac and cheese recipes, check Greek Yogurt Mac And Cheese, 4 Cheese Mac And Cheese and Beef Mac And Cheese.

Jump to:

• Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni And Cheese
• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• The Best Cheese For Mac And Cheese
• Ingredients
• Variations & Substitutions
• How To Make Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni And Cheese
• Expert Tips!
• What Pasta Shape Is Best To Use?
• Serving Ideas
• Storage And Make Ahead Of Time
• How To Reheat Macaroni And Cheese?
• Recipe FAQs
• More Pasta Recipes
• Recipe Card
• Comments

Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni And Cheese

As a big fan of cheese, homemade macaroni and cheese is my personal favourite go-to recipe: it is so rich, creamy and cheesy. Also, this no fuss recipe is easy, quick, simple and kids friendly.

Stop making the boxed mac and cheese and try making this easy recipe for your family; it is healthier and more delicious.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• An easy baked macaroni and cheese recipe
• This is simple recipe and suitable for the whole family.
• Made with simple ingredients and will be ready in just 35 minutes.
• Perfect as a side or main dish.
• Healthier than the store-bought ones.

The Best Cheese For Mac And Cheese

In this recipe, I used two cups of cheddar cheese and one cup of mozzarella cheese because:

Cheddar cheese: It has a strong, sharp flavour and melts quickly.

Mozzarella cheese: It is stretchy, gooey, and melty.

Also, you can use Monterey jack, Swiss, Gouda or Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

To make this creamy macaroni and cheesy sauce, you will need the following ingredients.

For The Sauce

• All-purpose flour: To make the roux for the béchamel sauce.
• Butter: Preferably unsalted.
• Milk: Use whole milk for a creamier white sauce.
• Salt & ground black pepper: To taste.
• Garlic powder
• Mozzarella: For best results shred your own cheese.
• Cheddar cheese: Use either mild or sharp cheddar cheese.

For Macaroni and Topping

• Pasta: This recipe calls for elbow macaroni.
• Breadcrumbs: They add crunchy topping.
• Butter

“See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.”

Variations & Substitutions

• You can garnish this dish with some fresh herbs like chopped parsley or fresh thyme.
• You can replace the breadcrumbs topping with extra cheese; however, breadcrumbs give this dish a bit of crunchiness.
• Other Crunchy Topping Ideas: Top your mac and cheese with crushed corn flakes, potato chips, Panko or croutons.
• Shredded chicken or beef: Add in cooked Shredded chicken or beef, and for a vegetarian version, you can add mushrooms.
• Add some heat to your dish: Jalapeño, chili powder or red pepper Flakes.

How To Make Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni And Cheese

First Step - Cooke The Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to the boil then add the macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain the macaroni using a colander then set aside.

Second Step - Make The White Sauce: In a large saucepan melt butter over medium heat then add the flour and stir. Occasionally stirring for 1-2 minutes.

After that, add half of the milk and stir using the whisk until the mixture dissolves then add the rest of the milk. Add garlic powder, salt and pepper then stir. Occasionally stirring until the sauce thickens (cook for about 7 minutes).

Third Step - Add The Cheese: Turn off the heat then add the cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the sauce, stir.

Fourth Step - Assemble The Dish: Preheat the oven at 180C/ 356F. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the butter then set aside.

Put the cooked macaroni in a bowl then pour the sauce over it and stir well. Pour the mixture in a baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top.

Fifth Step - Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown then serve.

Expert Tips!

• Don't overbake this dish; otherwise, you will be wasting your sauce.
• For best results, shred your own cheese and don't buy the pre-shredded cheese.
• You can use any kind and shape of pasta you like; penne, ziti, shells or fusilli.

What Pasta Shape Is Best To Use?

When it comes to mac and cheese, elbow macaroni is one of my favorite pasta shapes because they tend to hold a bit more sauce.

Cavatappi, Fusilli, Shells and Ziti are also good choices for making homemade mac and cheese.

Serving Ideas

This dish needs some veggies, you can serve it with Green Beans With Parmesan Cheese, Easy Crispy Roasted Potatoes or Spicy Roasted Cauliflower Recipe.

Feel free to serve this dish for lunch with a delicious drink, like Strawberry Milk Tea (Boba), Date Shake or Korean Strawberry Milk.

Storage And Make Ahead Of Time

How To make ahead of time: Assemble the dish without adding the topping and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days before baking. When you are ready to bake this dish, add the topping and bake it.

To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

How To Reheat Macaroni And Cheese?

Reheating instructions: Mix leftovers with 1-2 tablespoons of milk, and sprinkle some shredded cheese or bread crumbs on top.

Cover the dish with a sheet of aluminium foil and reheat in the oven at 180C/ 356F for 10 minutes, then uncover and put bake in the oven and bake for 5 minutes more.

Recipe FAQs

More Pasta Recipes

Don't forget to subscribe to the newsletter to recipe all the latest recipes once published! You can also follow Healthy Life Trainer on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram!

Recipe Card