Mom’s Golden Classic Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this classic macaroni and cheese recipe that promises creamy, cheesy perfection in every bite.

Generations have savored this beloved dish, passed down through kitchens across the country.

Rich, golden cheese cascades over tender pasta, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

The secret lies in selecting quality ingredients and mastering a few simple techniques.

Melted cheese blends seamlessly with smooth, velvety sauce, coating each pasta shell with pure deliciousness.

Crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, gooey interior.

You’ll fall in love with this ultimate mac and cheese that brings pure comfort to the dinner table.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to make a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Kitchen Tools for Mac and Cheese Success

• Large pot: Essential for boiling macaroni and cooking pasta to perfect al dente texture.
• Colander: Crucial for draining pasta after cooking, ensuring no excess water remains.
• 9×13 inch baking pan: Perfect size for layering and baking the mac and cheese.
• Large mixing bowls: Needed for combining milk mixture and separating cheese types.
• Whisk: Great for blending milk, eggs, and seasonings smoothly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir butter into pasta and mix ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cheese grater: Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

Cooking Mac and Cheese with Classic Flair

• Oven Preparation

Warm the oven and ready a cozy baking dish for your cheesy creation.

• Pasta Journey

Cook the macaroni until tender, then let it rest in its pot, waiting for the next delicious step.

• Butter Bath

Gently coat the pasta with melted butter, creating a smooth foundation.

• Creamy Liquid Magic

Whisk together milky goodness and a hint of garlic seasoning to bring magic to your dish.

• Cheese Symphony

Blend different cheese varieties, preparing for a flavor explosion.

• Layering Love

Build your mac and cheese like an edible masterpiece, alternating pasta and cheese in beautiful layers.

• Final Liquid Touch

Drizzle the creamy mixture over the layers, adding a sprinkle of color with paprika.

• Baking Brilliance

Let the oven transform your creation into a golden, bubbling wonder of comfort food.

Tips for a Cheesier, Creamier Result

• Add diced jalapeños, crispy bacon bits, or caramelized onions to elevate the classic recipe with unexpected zings of taste.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, gouda, or blue cheese to create unique flavor profiles that will surprise your taste buds.
• Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking for an irresistible crispy texture that adds crunch to every bite.
• Sneak in roasted vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or spinach to increase nutritional value and add extra depth to the creamy mac and cheese.

Presenting Mac and Cheese That Shines

• Pair with Fresh Sides: Complement the rich, creamy mac and cheese with crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal that adds nutrition and color.
• Create Protein Boost: Top with crispy bacon bits, grilled chicken strips, or sliced ham to transform this classic comfort dish into a heartier main course that satisfies larger appetites.
• Add Crunchy Texture: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top before baking to introduce a delightful crunch that contrasts the smooth, cheesy pasta underneath.
• Enjoy as Crowd-Pleaser: Serve directly from the baking dish for a family-style experience that invites sharing and creates warm, communal dining moments perfect for gatherings and potlucks.

Holding Macaroni and Cheese for Later Enjoyment

• Refrigerate Strategically: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The creamy texture remains best when refrigerated quickly after cooling.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent separating cheese and maintain smooth consistency.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Package mac and cheese in freezer-safe containers, keeping for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
• Prep Ahead Brilliance: Assemble the dish a day before baking, covering tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate and bake directly from cold state, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time for perfect golden top.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 9

Classic Macaroni and Cheese Ingredient

• Macaroni: Soft, curved pasta that cradles creamy cheese perfectly, choose high-quality durum wheat variety for best texture.

• Butter: Adds rich, silky smoothness and helps bind ingredients together, use unsalted for better flavor control.
• Evaporated Milk: Creates luxurious creaminess without extra water, select full-fat version for maximum indulgence.
• Whole Milk: Enhances overall richness and provides smooth consistency, opt for fresh, local dairy.
• Eggs: Acts as natural thickener and binding agent, select fresh, organic eggs for best results.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, bold flavor profile, choose aged variety for deeper taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides stretchy, melty texture, select low-moisture type for ideal melting.
• Garlic Salt: Introduces subtle savory undertone, use sparingly for balanced seasoning.

• Paprika: Adds warm color and gentle smoky accent, choose sweet Hungarian variety for authentic flavor.

Velvety Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy homemade macaroni and cheese delivers comfort through rich cheddar and perfectly cooked pasta. Cheese lovers will savor this hearty classic that brings warmth and satisfaction to family dinner tables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
• 4 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tbsps salted butter
• 2 cans (12 oz/370 ml) evaporated milk
• ⅓ cup milk
• ¼ tsp garlic salt
• 1 tsp paprika

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Pasta Cooking: Boil salted water and cook macaroni until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and return to pot, stirring in butter until noodles are evenly coated.
3. Liquid Mixture: Whisk evaporated milk, whole milk, eggs, and garlic salt in a large bowl until smooth and well-combined.
4. Cheese Preparation: Blend shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses in a separate bowl, ensuring uniform distribution.
5. Layering: Create three alternating layers in the baking dish, starting with macaroni and topping with cheese mixture. Ensure even coverage with each layer.
6. Liquid Infusion: Gently pour milk and egg mixture over the entire casserole, allowing it to seep between layers.
7. Finishing Touch: Sprinkle paprika across the surface for visual appeal and subtle flavor enhancement.
8. Baking: Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until top turns golden brown and edges become bubbly with a crisp texture.
9. Resting: Remove from oven and let stand 5-10 minutes to allow the dish to set, facilitating easier serving and optimal texture.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Clumping: Stir macaroni occasionally while boiling to ensure even cooking and prevent noodles from sticking together.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Combine cheddar and mozzarella for a rich, creamy texture that melts smoothly and creates a luxurious sauce.
• Layer Strategically: Alternate macaroni and cheese layers evenly to distribute flavor and ensure every bite is cheesy and delicious.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the mac and cheese to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set, making cutting and serving easier while maintaining a perfect creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg