Good Ole Fashioned Mac and Cheese

Few dishes bring as much nostalgia, warmth, and comfort as a bowl of homemade mac and cheese. This classic dish, made with tender macaroni noodles smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, is the perfect balance of cheesiness and comfort. Forget the boxed versions—this Good Ole Fashioned Mac and Cheese is the real deal! Made with real cheese, milk, butter, and simple seasonings, this homemade version is creamy, dreamy, and utterly satisfying.

If you’re looking for a tried-and-true mac and cheese recipe, this is the one. It’s easy to make, requires simple pantry staples, and tastes a thousand times better than store-bought. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, potluck, or holiday feast, this classic Southern-style mac and cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Ultra Creamy & Cheesy – This mac and cheese has the perfect balance of smooth, velvety cheese sauce that clings to every noodle.
✔ Homemade Goodness – No processed cheese here! This is real, old-fashioned mac and cheese, just like grandma used to make.
✔ Customizable – Add crispy bacon, breadcrumbs, or different cheeses to make it your own!
✔ Comfort Food at Its Best – A bowl of warm mac and cheese is like a hug in food form.

Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

For the Pasta:

450g (1 lb) elbow macaroni (or any small pasta shape)
1 tablespoon salt, for boiling water

For the Cheese Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
500ml (2 cups) whole milk
250ml (1 cup) heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder (optional, enhances cheese flavor)
200g (2 cups) cheddar cheese, shredded
100g (1 cup) mozzarella cheese, shredded
50g (1/2 cup) parmesan cheese, grated

For Baking (Optional):

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping)
2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes (follow package instructions).
Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until smooth and golden (this helps thicken the sauce).
Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and mustard powder. Stir well.
Reduce heat to low and gradually add the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Pasta & Sauce

Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir until every noodle is coated in cheesy goodness.
At this stage, you can serve immediately for a creamy stovetop version.

Step 4: Bake (Optional, for a Crispy Topping)

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Transfer the mac and cheese to a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
Sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: ~550 kcal
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg

(Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient choices.)

Tips & Tricks for the Best Mac and Cheese

✅ Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Always shred fresh cheese for the creamiest sauce!

✅ Choose the Right Pasta – Elbow macaroni is classic, but you can use cavatappi, penne, or shells for variety.

✅ Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cook until just al dente, as the pasta will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce.

✅ For Extra Creaminess – Swap some milk for evaporated milk or add an extra splash of heavy cream.

✅ Want a Spicy Kick? – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

✅ Make It a Meal – Add cooked bacon, ham, chicken, or sautéed veggies like broccoli or mushrooms.

What to Serve with Mac and Cheese

🍗 Grilled Chicken – A simple grilled or baked chicken breast pairs well with mac and cheese.
🥦 Roasted Vegetables – Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans add a healthy, crunchy contrast.
🥩 BBQ Ribs or Pulled Pork – The smoky flavors of BBQ meats go perfectly with creamy mac and cheese.
🥗 Crisp Side Salad – A fresh salad with vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.