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Easy Good Old Fashion Mac and Cheese

A classic mac and cheese recipe featuring sharp cheddar cheese and evaporated milk for a creamy, rich texture, perfect for family gatherings and quick weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 8 oz Dry elbow macaroni Use high-quality pasta for the best texture that holds the cheese sauce well.
  • 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese Preferably shred your own from a block for optimal meltability and flavor.
  • 1 can Evaporated milk Adds creaminess that regular milk just can't achieve.
  • 2 tbsp Salted butter The base for the sauce that adds rich flavor.
  • 1 tsp Garlic salt For an added layer of flavor; don’t skip this ingredient.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking dish.
  2. In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly.
  4. 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).
  5. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, garlic salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  6. Mix the cheese sauce with the drained macaroni in a large bowl until evenly coated.
  7. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and top with breadcrumbs and paprika if desired.
  8. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Notes

Pro Tips: Don’t rush the sauce; use room temperature ingredients; consider making extra sauce for creaminess. Variations include spicy additions or using different pasta types.