Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese
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This is a meal that you can make and have on the table in less than half an hour! People!!!! half an hour??? For a great meal? That is insane! However, it is true and this recipe is the proof! This is a classic recipe in itself, it is an Old Fashioned method of making Macaroni and Cheese before they came out with the ready-to-make versions in the stores.
You have to taste this for yourself, you will not go back to those boxes you buy at the grocery store.
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This Macaroni and Cheese come out truly delicious, rich and creamy, and oh so cheesy! My kids absolutely lose their minds over this Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese recipe. I use it as a main dish or sometimes as a side dish for Baked Ham or Chicken.
It is perfect to serve with Bratwurst or Italian Sausage.
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What makes this a recipe that I will want to make?
This Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese tastes unlike any you have likely had. This is rich and creamy, cheesy and wonderful. It has a crunchy topping and is super easy and quick to make on a busy night. The family loves it!
Are there variations that I may want to try?
You could add Ground Beef or cubed Ham to the Macaroni and Cheese. Add in some chopped Broccoli or another vegetable. I have also used different-shaped pasta many times.
Ingredients:
- Elbow Macaroni
- Butter unsalted
- Flour
- Ground mustard
- Milk
- Half and half
- Cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional crumb topping:
- Panko bread crumbs
- Butter unsalted and melted
How to make Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese:
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Step 2. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, rinse and drain well.
Step 3. While the macaroni is cooking, add the butter to a saucepan over medium heat on the stove.
Step 4. Once melted, add the flour to the butter, and stir to combine well for 1 minute.
Step 5. Whisk in the milk, half and half, flour, ground mustard as well as salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook, stirring often until the mixture starts to thicken.
Adding the milk.
Adding the half and half.
Adding the ground mustard.
Adding the flour.
Step 6. Remove from the heat and whisk in the cheddar cheese.
Step 7. Pour the cheese mixture over the cooked macaroni, and stir to combine well.
Step 8. Place the macaroni and cheese in a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 9. If desired, mix together the ingredients for the crumb topping, and sprinkle on top of the macaroni and cheese.
Step 10. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum flour and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes before serving.
Now ready to enjoy!
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Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Elbow Macaroni
- 5 Tbsp. Butter unsalted
- ¼ C. Flour
- 1 tsp. Ground mustard
- 2 C. Milk
- 1 ½ C. Half and half
- 4 C. Cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional crumb topping:
- ½ C. Panko bread crumbs
- 2 Tbsp. Butter unsalted and melted
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Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, rinse and drain well.
- While the macaroni is cooking, add the butter to a saucepan over medium heat on the stove.
- Once melted, add the flour to the butter, and stir to combine well for 1 minute.
- Whisk in the milk, half and half, ground mustard as well as salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook, stirring often until the mixture starts to thicken.
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the cheddar cheese.
- Pour the cheese mixture over the cooked macaroni, and stir to combine well.
- Place the macaroni and cheese in a 9×13 baking dish.
- If desired, mix together the ingredients for the crumb topping, and sprinkle on top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum flour and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
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How would I store this Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese?
Once the Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese has cooled to room temperature, wrap it tightly or place the food in an airtight container. You can then store it in the refrigerator for 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
You could, as long as it is cooled completely and in an airtight container. You can store it for 2 months in the freezer. There may be a distinct texture difference in the pasta when it thaws, and also in the cheese. However, I thought the dish tasted fine.
How should I reheat the Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese?
Preheat the oven to 350*, cover the casserole tightly with Aluminum foil, and heat for 10 to 12 minutes. You could also heat single servings in the microwave oven for 1 to 2 minutes, or until desired temperature is reached.
Related Recipes you Might Enjoy:
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Taco mac and cheese – This easy taco mac and cheese is a delicious twist on classic comfort food.
Baked cauliflower mac and cheese – With this recipe for Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese, all the little ones will be happy with lunch.
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