This old fashioned baked mac and cheese recipe combines a smooth cheese sauce with tender pasta, which is then baked to perfection. By using a simple béchamel sauce as the base and a combination of cheeses, you get a rich, creamy texture with a satisfying crunch from the baked topping. The result? A dish that’s both comforting and indulgent, with layers of flavor in every bite.
1. Old Fashioned Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or your favorite short pasta)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a combination of cheeses)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon mustard powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (for the topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for the topping)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan (optional, for extra flavor in the topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—typically around 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Drain and set aside: Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. You can drizzle a little bit of olive oil over the pasta to keep it from sticking together while you prepare the cheese sauce.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and starts to bubble, add the flour to the pan.
Create the roux: Stir constantly with a whisk for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This mixture should become smooth and slightly golden, which cooks out the raw flour taste and helps thicken the sauce.
Add the milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, which takes about 3-5 minutes.
Season the sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder (if using). These seasonings enhance the flavor of the cheese sauce.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Add the shredded cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth. If you like, you can add a blend of cheeses such as Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for extra flavor.
Taste and adjust: Taste the cheese sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a bit more salt or pepper depending on your preferences.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Mix the pasta and sauce: In a large bowl or directly in the pot, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Stir until every piece of pasta is coated in the rich, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
Make the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. For extra flavor, stir in grated Parmesan.
Set aside: Set the breadcrumb mixture aside while you assemble the mac and cheese for baking.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the mac and cheese into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top the mac and cheese with the prepared breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even layer across the surface.
Bake the mac and cheese: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbling around the edges.
Broil for extra crunch: If you’d like an extra crispy topping, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Cool slightly: Let the baked mac and cheese cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to serve.
Serve warm: Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy the cheesy, creamy pasta with its crunchy topping. It’s best served fresh from the oven, but leftovers can be just as delicious.
2. What to Serve with Baked Mac and Cheese
Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the mac and cheese. The fresh flavors make it a perfect side dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve baked mac and cheese alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus for a well-rounded meal. The caramelized flavors of the veggies complement the creamy pasta perfectly.
Baked Chicken: A simple baked chicken breast or barbecue chicken makes a great protein to pair with mac and cheese, adding a savory, smoky element to the meal.
Garlic Bread: For extra indulgence, serve baked mac and cheese with garlic bread. The crunchy, buttery bread is a perfect match for the creamy pasta.
Tomato Soup: Pairing baked mac and cheese with a bowl of tomato soup is a classic comfort combo. The acidity of the tomatoes cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce.
3. Storing & Reheating Leftover
Storing: Leftover baked mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, cover the mac and cheese with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but add a splash of milk to prevent it from drying out.
This Old Fashioned Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe delivers everything you want in a comfort food dish: creamy, cheesy pasta with a golden, crunchy topping. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd or indulging in a cozy family meal. Whether it’s a holiday side dish or the star of a weeknight dinner, baked mac and cheese is always a hit.
