Traditional Mac and Cheese

Traditional mac and cheese doesn’t have to be complicated to be the soul-warming food you crave. If you’re like me, you swoon over the thought of homemade mac and cheese. And, if you’re new to the kitchen, you might even feel a bit intimidated when it comes time to make it. Rest assured, this is not only the best traditional mac and cheese recipe you’ll find, but it’s an easy traditional mac and cheese for beginners.

So, even if you’re new to cooking mac and cheese, don’t fret. We’ve made this recipe as simple and straightforward as possible so you can dine on this divine dish in under an hour, guaranteed!

Whether you’re in need of a simple traditional mac and cheese meal or you’re seeking a healthy traditional mac and cheese version, let this recipe guide the way. It’s that easy, I promise.

This has been my mac & cheese go-to recipe since about four years ago. I just can’t get enough of it. Best of all, you can add various toppings and try different cheese to make this pasta truly unique and your own.

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses simple ingredients found in the fridge and pantry–it’s really that easy!
• You can save and store this mac and cheese to enjoy throughout your week.
• It’s absolutely a family friendly traditional mac and cheese. Perfect for the whole family, kids included.
• Swapping toppings and adding ingredients is up to you. Whether you’re craving a bacon mac and cheese or cubed ham in your mac, you can do it all with this quick traditional mac and cheese recipe.

Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 40 min | Total Time: 50 min | Yield: 4-5

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

1 package of bacon, cooked and crumbled

2 Tbsp. Butter unsalted and melted

2 C Panko

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Elbow macaroni: While elbow macaroni is commonly used in mac and cheese, you can swap it for small or large shells. Pasta that catches the melted cheese is best for the ultimate flavor. Low-carb alternative pastas can be substituted if you’re gluten-intolerant.

Flour: If you don’t want to use AP, or all-purpose flour, you can also use alternative flours, such as rice flour, almond flour, or a bit of coconut flour, which is ideal for those with a gluten intolerance. Combining flours or using an unflavored protein powder is also possible if you’re watching your carbohydrate intake.

Cheddar cheese: This cheese is a classic. Swap it for Gruyère and white cheddar for a unique taste! You can incorporate smoked gouda and other cheese as you become familiar with this recipe.

Bacon: Omit the bacon if you want a pure cheddar cheese mac and cheese. You can also swap the bacon for cubed ham if you prefer!

Half and half: Heavy whipping cream is a viable option if you prefer a creamier, richer mac and cheese. Keep in mind that heavy whipping cream has more calories. But, if you’re searching for homemade traditional mac and cheese ideas that elevate your recipe, heavy whipping cream may do the trick. Especially if you’re making this mac and cheese for a special occasion or holiday.

How to Make It

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. You can prepare the remaining ingredients this mac and cheese calls for during the time your oven takes to preheat.

Step 2. Cook the bacon to a crisp. Crumble it by hand and set to the side. Pro tip: Wear cooking or latex gloves to prevent your hands from becoming greasy!

Step 3. Cook the elbow macaroni as directed on the bag until al dente, rinse and drain well. Typically, elbow macaroni requires 8 to 12 minutes to cook thoroughly, depending on your preferences.

Step 4. In a medium saucepan, add the butter and cook over medium heat until melted. Stir often. Avoid cooking the butter on high heat, as this can cause the butter to brown and burn prematurely.

Step 5. Add the flour to the melted butter and stir to combine.

Step 6. In a small bowl add the milk, half-and-half, ground mustard as well as salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7. Whisk to combine.

Step 8. Slowly add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and whisk to combine.

Step 9. Continue to cook, stirring often until the mixture starts to thicken.

Step 10. Remove the mixture from the heat and add in the cheddar cheese.

Step 11. Whisk to combine.

Step 12. Add the cheese mixture to the macaroni, along with the crumbled bacon.

Step 13. Stir to combine well.

Step 14. Place the macaroni and cheese in a cast iron cooking pan.

Step 15. Top with more crumbled bacon and panko breadcrumbs around the edge.

Step 16. Bake for 40 minutes. You can broil your mac and cheese once it’s done baking for 1 to 2 minutes on high for an even more golden-brown top.

Enjoy!

Now, remember to save this recipe on Pinterest for later 🙂

Tips for Success

Choose a macaroni pasta that’s designed to hold cheese and ingredients, such as elbows or shells.

Keep the ground mustard for an elevated flavor with this mac.

Add paprika if you enjoy a smoky flavor in your mac and cheese.

Storage & Reheating

Store the leftovers of this mac and cheese in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days in your refrigerator. You can also save this mac and cheese in the freezer for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the mac and cheese may change slightly if freezing.

Reheat the mac and cheese in the oven at 300–350 degrees for 10 minutes per serving in a proper baking dish. You can also microwave thawed and room temperature mac and cheese for 2 to 3 minutes, per serving. Keep an eye on your microwave if you have a high-power microwave.

Serving Suggestions

This mac and cheese can be served on its own because it’s hearty and savory and absolutely filling. If you’re planning to serve sides with this mac and cheese, consider a traditional green salad! You can also try Parmesan crusted asparagus fries for even more flavor that’s out of this world. Baked Parmesan garlic fries are perfect if you want to add a potato-based side with this mac and cheese. Yum!

Notes

You can add a variety of toppings to this mac and cheese, from bacon and ham to freshly cut green onions! This is the perfect base mac and cheese that can be elevated with smoky paprika or even a bit of cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier mac!

Traditional Mac and Cheese

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 -5

5 from 1 vote

Review Recipe

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
• 1 package of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 Tbsp. Butter unsalted and melted
• 2 C Panko

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Cook the bacon to a crisp, crumble and set to the side.
• Cook the elbow macaroni as directed on the bag until al dente, rinse and drain well.
• In a medium saucepan add the butter and cook over medium heat until melted, stir often.
• Add the flour to the melted butter, and stir to combine.
• In a small bowl add the milk, half and half, ground mustard as well as salt and pepper to taste.
• Whisk to combine.
• Slowly add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and whisk to combine.
• Continue to cook, stirring often until the mixture starts to thicken.
• Remove the mixture from the heat and add in the cheddar cheese.
• Whisk to combine.
• Add the cheese mixture to the macaroni, and the crumbled bacon.
• Stir to combine well.
• Place the macaroni and cheese in a cast iron cooking pan
• Top with more crumbled bacon and panko around the edge
• Bake for 40 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 1027kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 62g | Saturated Fat: 36g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 22g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 1152mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g

Author: Laura