Old-Fashioned Mac ‘N Cheese

This classic Old-Fashioned Mac 'N Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a rich, velvety homemade cheese sauce. The blend of sharp cheddar and tangy Parmesan creates a deep, savory flavor profile that is both nostalgic and satisfying. A buttery breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch and golden color, contrasting perfectly with the creamy interior. Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings, this dish brings a warm, home-style feel to any table. It is simple to prepare with pantry staples, making it a reliable favorite that pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

Cooking Method: Baking, Boiling

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 8

Calories: 353.5

Dietary: Low-cal, Vegetarian

Description

This classic Old-Fashioned Mac 'N Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a rich, velvety homemade cheese sauce. The blend of sharp cheddar and tangy Parmesan creates a deep, savory flavor profile that is both nostalgic and satisfying. A buttery breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch and golden color, contrasting perfectly with the creamy interior. Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings, this dish brings a warm, home-style feel to any table. It is simple to prepare with pantry staples, making it a reliable favorite that pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup Elbow macaroni
4 tablespoon Butter or margarine, divided
1/4 cup All-purpose flour
3 cup Milk
1 teaspoon Dry mustard
3/4 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground pepper
1 pn Ground red pepper
1 1/2 cup Shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup Plain dry bread crumbs

Directions

1
Preheat oven to 375F (190C).
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just tender, about 8 minutes.
3
Drain macaroni in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water. Set aside.
4
In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
5
Stir in all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
6
Gradually whisk in milk, dry mustard, salt, black pepper, and ground red pepper.
7
Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly. Boil for 1 minute until thickened.
8
Remove saucepan from heat. Whisk in shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
9
Stir the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
10
Pour the macaroni mixture into a shallow 2-quart baking dish.
11
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small pan.
12
Stir bread crumbs into the melted butter until coated.
13
Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni.
14
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
15
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 353.5kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 21.5g34%
Saturated Fat 11.8g60%
Cholesterol 45.4mg16%
Sodium 2226.3mg93%
Total Carbohydrate 23.6g8%
Dietary Fiber 1.3g6%
Sugars 5.4g
Protein 17.3g35%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For a crispier topping, you can broil the macaroni for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.

Use a good quality sharp cheddar for the best flavor. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy; shredding your own block of cheese yields a smoother result.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Feel free to add-ins like cooked bacon, steamed broccoli, or diced ham for extra flavor and texture.

Keywords: macaroni, cheese, comfort food, baked, cheddar, parmesan, cream sauce, breadcrumb, family dinner, vegetarian, comforting, classic, homemade, cheesy, pasta, side dish, main dish, easy, crowd pleaser

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/old-fashioned-mac-n-cheese/