Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese

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Rich, creamy, and irresistibly comforting—Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic bite of your childhood or looking to impress at a potluck, this classic favorite always hits the spot. Made with tender elbow macaroni and a luscious blend of cheeses, it’s topped with golden breadcrumbs and baked until bubbly and crisp. The result? Pure comfort food bliss.

What sets this version apart is its perfect balance of creaminess and texture. The sharp tang of cheddar mingles with the buttery richness of a roux-based sauce, while the crunchy topping adds just the right amount of bite. It’s the dish you’ll come back to again and again—for Sunday suppers, holiday tables, or those weeknights when only something truly satisfying will do.

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Ingredients for this Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (warm)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)
• Chopped parsley (optional garnish)

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Be careful not to overcook—it will continue cooking in the oven later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

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Step 2: Make the Roux

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and continue whisking for about 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. The mixture should bubble and thicken slightly.

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Step 3: Build the Cheese Sauce

Slowly pour in the warm milk and cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon—this should take about 4–5 minutes. Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

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Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated. The mixture should be creamy and rich—make sure every bite of pasta is soaking in that goodness.

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Step 5: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. This step gives your mac and cheese that irresistible golden crunch on top.

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Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the top. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes after baking. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy forkful.

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Storage Instructions

Leftovers of Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese store beautifully and can be enjoyed for days after baking. Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.

• Refrigerator: Transfer to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, portion out servings into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through (about 20 minutes for a whole dish or 5–10 minutes for a single portion). For a quick fix, you can also reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Calcium: 300mg

Note: Nutrition may vary based on cheese selection and exact portion size.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the mac and cheese up to the point before baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

2. What cheeses work best?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can mix in gouda, gruyère, or even a little cream cheese for extra richness.

3. How do I keep mac and cheese from drying out in the oven?

Make sure the cheese sauce is extra creamy before baking, and don’t overbake. A foil cover for the first half of baking helps too.

4. Can I skip the breadcrumb topping?

Yes! If you prefer a silky, smooth top without crunch, feel free to leave the breadcrumbs off entirely.

5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very much so! The creamy texture and mild flavors make it a favorite among little ones.

6. Can I add protein or veggies?

Definitely. Mix in cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or steamed broccoli before baking to make it a more complete meal.

7. How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit the topping.

8. What should I serve with mac and cheese?

Try pairing it with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or even BBQ chicken for a hearty combo.

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