Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese: A Classic Comfort Dish
Description
Classic Comfort with an Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese Twist
Enjoy a cozy, classic comfort food with this Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe, a deliciously creamy blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses over tender macaroni, topped with buttery breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a family meal or potluck favorite, this homemade macaroni and cheese is easy to prepare and brings back the flavors of traditional homemade dishes with a rich, smooth sauce that delights in every bite. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll be serving up a hearty dish that’s loved by kids and adults alike!
Main Equipment: Available at Amazon
Large pot (for boiling macaroni)
Medium saucepan (for cheese sauce)
9x13-inch baking dish (for baking the macaroni and cheese)
Whisk (for blending the sauce)
Mixing spoon (for combining ingredients)
Small bowl (for mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter)
Related
Ingredients
For the Cheese Sauce:
For the Macaroni:
For the Topping:
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Cook Macaroni: In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente (around 7-8 minutes). Drain well and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp butter. Add flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni, stirring gently until the pasta is fully coated.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
Prepare Topping and Bake:
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter and breadcrumbs, stirring until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Serve: Let the macaroni and cheese sit for about 5 minutes before serving for best texture.
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 510kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 25g39%
- Saturated Fat 15g75%
- Cholesterol 70mg24%
- Sodium 640mg27%
- Total Carbohydrate 47g16%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 21g42%
* 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
Tips
- Cheese Variety: Mix different cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or Monterey Jack for unique flavor.
- Creaminess Factor: For an even richer sauce, replace 1 cup of milk with heavy cream.
- Make Ahead: Assemble everything up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Breadcrumbs Alternative: Top with crushed Ritz crackers or crushed cornflakes for added crunch.
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