Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 13 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

This Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a timeless comfort food classic featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses. Topped with a buttery, crunchy panko breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of creamy and crispy textures ideal for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni or your choice of pasta

Cheese Sauce

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 5 cups whole milk
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyere or Monterey Jack cheese (or more cheddar)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Topping

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley

Instructions

  1. First Steps: Preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s hot and ready when the mac and cheese is assembled.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  3. Make the Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Whisk in the 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a smooth base for your cheese sauce.
  4. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the 5 cups whole milk, adding a little at a time while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep cooking and whisking gently until the mixture thickens into a creamy béchamel sauce.
  5. Melt Cheeses: Remove from heat and add the shredded cheeses (sharp cheddar, Gruyere or Monterey Jack, and Parmesan) in small handfuls, stirring each addition until fully melted. Return to low heat briefly if needed to finish melting but avoid boiling to prevent graininess.
  6. Season Sauce: Stir in 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder to perfectly season the cheese sauce.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to thoroughly coat the pasta. Although the mixture may look saucy now, the pasta will absorb sauce during baking.
  8. Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley to make a flavorful and crunchy topping.
  9. Assemble: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the mac and cheese mixture evenly into it. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture on top. For extra cheesy goodness, optionally press additional cheese cubes into the topping.
  10. Bake: Place the dish into the preheated 400°F oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling with melted cheese.
  11. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the macaroni and cheese cool for about 10 minutes to allow it to thicken up perfectly before serving.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a punchy flavor, but Gruyere or Monterey Jack help add creaminess and depth.
  • Do not let the cheese sauce boil once the cheese is added, to avoid separation and a grainy texture.
  • The pasta should be cooked just al dente as it will cook further during baking.
  • Optionally, add cheese cubes on top before baking for an extra gooey, dramatic cheese pull.
  • The sauce may look overly saucy initially; the pasta absorbs the excess during baking.
  • You can substitute milk with 2% milk for a lighter version, but whole milk provides a creamier result.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/old-fashioned-baked-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe/