Golden, bubbling, and irresistibly creamy, this Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese is comfort food at its finest. Every forkful pulls up silky strands of melted cheese wrapped around tender elbow macaroni, creating that crave-worthy bite that feels like a warm hug. With a rich, cheddar-heavy sauce and a perfectly crispy baked top, this dish brings back the nostalgia of homemade meals and Sunday dinners.
Whether you’re serving it as a hearty side or letting it shine as the main event, this recipe delivers bold flavor with simple, no-fuss ingredients. It’s a timeless favorite for good reason—straightforward, delicious, and always satisfying.
Ingredients for this Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for extra meltiness)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7–8 minutes. You don’t want it too soft, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce Base
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. This helps thicken the sauce and removes the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Add the Milk and Cream
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, about 4–5 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheese
Reduce heat to low. Add in the sharp cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a dash of paprika for warmth.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir until every noodle is well coated. This is where the magic starts.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle a bit of extra cheese and smoked paprika over the top for that golden crust. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and beautifully browned.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Get ready for gooey, golden goodness in every bite.
Storage Instructions
To keep your Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese tasting just as rich and creamy the next day, proper storage is key.
- Refrigeration: Allow the mac and cheese to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk to bring back its creaminess. If reheating a larger batch in the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze it! Store cooled mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Estimated Nutrition
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Sugar: 5g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and any modifications made to the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cheeses work best for mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar is classic for flavor, but combining it with mozzarella, gouda, or gruyère adds creaminess and depth.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but freshly grated cheese melts better and avoids the added anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
How do I keep mac and cheese from getting grainy?
Make sure the cheese is added to a slightly cooled roux mixture and avoid overheating the sauce once the cheese is added.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it fully (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Bake when ready.
Is it possible to make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free macaroni and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux.
How do I add a crunchy topping?
Mix ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle over the top before baking.
Can I make it without an oven?
You sure can. Skip the baking step and just serve it straight from the stovetop for a creamy version.
What can I serve with mac and cheese?
It pairs beautifully with fried chicken, roasted veggies, BBQ ribs, or a fresh green salad.
Delicious Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
Ready to dig into the ultimate comfort food? This Delicious Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection. It’s everything you crave in a hearty, homemade dish. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, a cozy side for family gatherings, or an easy recipe for potlucks, this mac and cheese brings warmth and joy to every plate. The rich blend of cheddar and mozzarella creates a smooth, gooey sauce that hugs every bite of pasta, topped with a lightly crisped crust that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Add this to your list of classic food ideas — it’s a keeper!
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (for topping)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente (about 7–8 minutes), then drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in milk and cream, stirring until the mixture thickens (4–5 minutes).
- Lower heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a dash of paprika.
- Combine pasta with cheese sauce, mixing until evenly coated.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle extra cheese and paprika on top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.