There’s something magical about the smell of Easy Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese bubbling in your kitchen. After 15 years of perfecting this recipe, I’ve learned that the secret lies in the combination of sharp cheddar cheese and evaporated milk. This is the dish my family requests every holiday—and once you try it, you’ll understand why. You may also find Cheesy Mac And Cheese Bites useful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-pleasing: This mac and cheese is a guaranteed hit at gatherings and family dinners.
- Ready in just 30 minutes: Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare ahead and bake when you’re ready to serve.
- Customizable: Add your favorite proteins or vegetables for a personal touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese features a rich combination of ingredients. The mix of sharp cheddar cheese and evaporated milk creates a creamy texture that is truly irresistible. You may also find Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese Delight useful.
- Dry elbow macaroni — Use high-quality pasta for the best texture that holds the cheese sauce well.
- Sharp cheddar cheese — I prefer to shred my own from a block for optimal meltability and flavor.
- Evaporated milk — This adds creaminess that regular milk just can’t achieve.
- Salted butter — The base for the sauce that adds rich flavor.
- Garlic salt — For an added layer of flavor; don’t skip this ingredient.
See the recipe card below for complete ingredients and exact measurements. You may also find Creamy Mac And Cheese useful.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot — Essential for cooking the macaroni perfectly.
- Medium saucepan — This is needed to make the cheese sauce.
- Baking dish — A 9×13 dish works wonderfully for this recipe.
How to Make Easy Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese
This Easy Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese comes together in just 8 simple steps, making it easier than it looks! You may also find Fried Mac And Cheese Balls useful.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni: In a large pot, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly.
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, regular milk, and beaten eggs. Pour this into the melted butter, whisking until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Add cheese and seasonings: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, garlic salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Combine and mix: Mix the cheese sauce with the drained macaroni in a large bowl until evenly coated.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and top with breadcrumbs and paprika if desired.
- Bake until bubbly: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t rush the sauce: Take your time when making the cheese sauce to ensure it thickens properly.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the cheese melt more uniformly.
- Make extra sauce: If you love creamy mac and cheese, consider doubling the cheese sauce.
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with different flavors and textures. Here are some variations to try:
- Spicy version: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Vegetarian swap: Replace elbow macaroni with whole grain pasta for a healthier option.
- Cheese lover’s edition: Mix in extra cheese, like mozzarella, for ultimate cheesiness.
What to Serve With Easy Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese
This Easy Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Here are my favorite pairings:
- Garlic bread — The perfect accompaniment for mopping up cheesy goodness.
- Steamed broccoli — A nutritious side that balances the richness of the mac and cheese.
- Caesar salad — Provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy dish.
- Iced tea — A refreshing drink to complement your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover Easy Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: The best method is to reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible—it tends to make the cheese tough.
Easy Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking dish.
- In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly.
- In a bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, regular milk, and beaten eggs. Pour this into the melted butter, whisking until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, garlic salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Mix the cheese sauce with the drained macaroni in a large bowl until evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and top with breadcrumbs and paprika if desired.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Easy Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What can I substitute for dry elbow macaroni?
You can use any pasta shape you prefer, like cavatappi or shells, which hold the cheese sauce well.
How do I know when Easy Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese is done?
It’s ready when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling, typically after 25-30 minutes in the oven.
Can I freeze Easy Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese?
Yes, it freezes well. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Why is my Easy Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese dry?
This could happen if it bakes too long or if there wasn’t enough sauce added. Always ensure the sauce coats the macaroni well before baking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe; just use a larger baking dish to accommodate the extra volume.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese is a timeless classic that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a standout dish, perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try—you’re sure to love this Easy Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese!
Conclusion
For another delicious mac and cheese recipe, check out Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese – Biscuits & Burlap or explore Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese – Real Food with Sarah for more options.
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