Introduction
Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—a creamy, cheesy casserole baked to golden perfection. This beloved American classic takes you back to simpler times, where every bite feels like home. With its rich cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and crispy baked topping, it’s a dish that’s both nostalgic and timeless. Whether served as a main dish or hearty side, this mac and cheese brings warmth to any table.
Ingredients Quantity
Serves 6–8:
- 3 cups elbow macaroni (about 12 oz / 340 g)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack or mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted, for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni:
Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside. - Make the roux:
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste. - Create the cheese sauce:
Slowly whisk in the warm milk and cream until smooth. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Reduce heat to low. - Add seasonings and cheese:
Stir in mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add 2 ½ cups cheddar and all Colby Jack cheese, stirring until melted and velvety. - Combine pasta and sauce:
Fold in the cooked macaroni, coating every piece with the creamy cheese sauce. - Assemble and bake:
Pour the mixture into a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
If desired, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese layer for a crunchy crust. - Bake to perfection:
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. - Serve hot:
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Macaroni and cheese dates back to the 18th century, believed to have been brought to America by Thomas Jefferson after his travels in Europe. It quickly became a Southern staple and a symbol of home-cooked comfort. Over generations, families have passed down their own versions—some creamy and stovetop-style, others baked with crispy crusts. The “Good Ole Fashion” version celebrates tradition: simple, soulful, and made with real cheese, just like Grandma used to make.
Description
This mac and cheese is a perfect harmony of creamy, gooey cheese sauce and tender pasta, crowned with a golden, slightly crisp top. The aroma alone feels like a hug from the past—rich, buttery, and comforting. Each spoonful melts in your mouth, bringing together the flavors of cheddar’s sharpness, buttery smoothness, and that hint of spice that rounds it all out.
Optional Additions
- Protein boost: Add cooked bacon, diced ham, or shredded chicken.
- Veggie twist: Stir in cooked broccoli, spinach, or roasted red peppers.
- Cheese variations: Try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or white cheddar for a gourmet touch.
- Topping ideas: Crushed Ritz crackers, seasoned panko, or a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra crunch.
Tips for Success
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce—pre-shredded cheese can clump.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Warm the milk before adding it to the roux—it blends more smoothly.
- For a creamier texture, stir a spoonful of cream cheese into the sauce before baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~460
- Protein: 18 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 4 g
(Values may vary depending on ingredients used.)
Conclusion and Recommendation
Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese isn’t just a dish—it’s an experience of warmth, nostalgia, and satisfaction. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and leaves no leftovers behind. Perfect for Sunday dinners, potlucks, or holidays, it’s proof that simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While traditionally rich, this mac and cheese can be balanced with mindful adjustments—use whole-grain pasta, low-fat milk, or add a handful of steamed veggies. These small changes preserve its creamy decadence while making it a bit lighter. Enjoying comfort food with a touch of moderation is the essence of true, healthful indulgence.