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Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
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Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a rich, creamy sharp cheddar cheese sauce. This timeless dish combines simple pantry staples to create a luscious, velvety texture that satisfies cravings for warm, indulgent home cooking. Perfect as a side or main dish, it brings nostalgic flavor and versatility to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

Optional Additions

  • Bacon, chopped and crisped
  • Other cheeses such as gouda, Fontina, or Monterey Jack
  • Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables
  • Gluten-free pasta and cornstarch (as flour substitute)
  • Cream cheese or sour cream for extra richness

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until just tender but still firm to the bite, making sure it won’t become mushy when mixed with the cheese sauce.
  2. Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until it forms a smooth paste. Cook for a few minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste and develop a silky base for the sauce.
  3. Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the milk while continuously whisking to keep the mixture smooth and free of lumps. Continue stirring as the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
  4. Melt the Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and gently fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional mustard powder to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Drain the cooked macaroni and return it to the pot or transfer to a baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and mix well until every noodle is coated in creamy cheese.
  6. Bake or Serve Immediately: For a traditional baked finish, top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, serve immediately for a super creamy stovetop mac and cheese.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a deep, flavorful sauce.
  • Do not overcook pasta; slightly undercook for better texture after baking.
  • Add milk slowly to avoid lumps and maintain a smooth sauce consistency.
  • Stir constantly while making the sauce to prevent chunkiness.
  • For a crunchy topping, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling on top.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, comfort food, classic recipe, cheddar, creamy pasta, baked mac and cheese

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/old-fashioned-mac-and-cheese/