Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese, a timeless comfort food, holds a special place in the culinary world for its simplicity and nostalgic appeal. This classic recipe for “good ole fashion” mac and cheese captures the essence of homemade comfort, with creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Follow along to recreate this beloved dish in your kitchen and savor the flavors of tradition and nostalgia.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni or any pasta shape of your choice
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (475ml) whole milk
• 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (100g) Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 cup (60g) breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes golden brown and fragrant.
4. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth. Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and paprika, if using, to taste.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
7. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.
8. Bake the mac and cheese in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges.
9. Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or additional shredded cheese, if desired.
10. Serve the good old-fashioned mac and cheese hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this timeless classic.

Conclusion:

With its creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and crunchy breadcrumb topping, this classic recipe for good old-fashioned mac and cheese is sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort and nostalgia. Whether enjoyed as a simple weeknight dinner or served as a special dish for gatherings, this timeless favorite never fails to bring joy to the table. Embrace the tradition and savor the flavors of homemade goodness with every bite of this beloved comfort food.