Good Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese – Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting

Few dishes capture pure comfort quite like a classic Mac and Cheese. This Good Old-Fashioned version takes you back to childhood dinners—creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection. With its smooth cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and a crisp, buttery topping, this recipe delivers everything you love about homemade comfort food. It’s simple, satisfying, and timeless—perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or Sunday family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Comfort: Creamy sauce and golden topping make every bite nostalgic.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy tools or tricks—just old-fashioned goodness.
Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main or hearty side for any meal.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (about 2 cups uncooked)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-fat milk
• 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup part-skim mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens—about 3–4 minutes.

3. Add the Cheese
Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

4. Combine
Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce, stirring until every piece is coated in cheesy goodness.

5. Bake (Optional)
For a baked version, transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and a little extra cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

6. Serve
Serve warm and enjoy every comforting bite!

Nutritional Information

Calories: 290
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 11g
Protein: 17g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Slightly firm macaroni holds up better in sauce.
• Add a Twist: Mix in veggies, diced ham, or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
• Make It Creamier: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a splash of cream.

Why This Recipe Works

This mac and cheese nails the perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and just enough cheese to feel indulgent without being heavy. The simple roux-based sauce gives that classic homemade flavor that boxed versions can’t match. It’s old-fashioned comfort done right—familiar, flavorful, and full of love.

Good Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy. Whether served as a cozy weeknight meal or alongside your favorite entrée, this timeless dish brings warmth and nostalgia to every table. Simple, satisfying, and made with love—it’s a recipe that never goes out of style.