Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food that never gets old! This creamy, cheesy dish is perfect as a side or as a main dish on its own. Here’s an easy, no-fuss recipe for the ultimate homemade mac and cheese.
Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra creaminess)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional, for a little tang)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter (if using breadcrumbs for topping)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni (or other pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In the same pot (or a separate saucepan), melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste. This is your roux.
- Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Once thickened, add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard (if using). Stir to combine.
- Slowly add in the shredded cheddar cheese, a little at a time, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
4. Optional Topping:
- If you like a crunchy topping, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and mix it with the breadcrumbs.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, then sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the mac and cheese hot, straight from the stovetop or after baking. For an extra touch, garnish with a little extra shredded cheese or chopped parsley.
Tips:
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Creaminess: If you prefer an extra creamy texture, you can use all heavy cream instead of milk or add a few spoonfuls of sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce.
- Extra Flavor: Add cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra kick!
- Storage: Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
This Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese is the kind of dish that will bring you back to childhood memories and warm you up on the coldest of days. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness!
