Old Fashioned Baked Mac and Cheese
This Old Fashioned Baked Mac and Cheese is the cozy, cheesy comfort food your whole family will devour! Made from scratch with real cheese, it’s easier than you think and always delivers that rich, homemade flavor in every bite.
Are you looking for more Side Dishes? Try our Cafeteria Noodles, Southern Potato Salad, or Macaroni and Tomatoes.
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My family absolutely loves macaroni and cheese! From my Crockpot Velveeta Mac and Cheese, my Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese, to this classic recipe for old fashioned macaroni.
It’s made with simple ingredients and packed with creamy, cheesy flavor. It’s the best homemade mac for special occasions, Sunday dinners, or even the holiday season.
What you’ll love about this Mac and cheese recipe
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Easy Baked Mac and Cheese:
- Elbow macaroni
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Dry mustard powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Colby-Jack cheese
- American cheese
- Parmesan cheese
INGREDIENT NOTES:
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Use extra sharp cheddar for bolder flavor.
- Colby Jack Cheese: A creamy option that blends well with sharper cheeses.
- American Cheese: Adds smooth, gooey richness to this southern classic.
HOW TO MAKE OLD FASHIONED BAKED MAC AND CHEESE STEP-BY-STEP:
Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish, or lightly spray with cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente (about 2 minutes less than fully cooked). Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes to make a roux.
Step 4: Gradually whisk in warmed milk, a little bit at a time, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the white sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens and can coat the back of a spoon, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in dry mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 6: Add 2 cups of the cheddar cheese, all of the Colby-Jack, American cheese, and Parmesan. Stir until completely melted and smooth to create a creamy cheese sauce.
Step 7: Fold in the cooked macaroni until well coated.
Step 8: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 9: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
PRO TIP:
For best results, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese. It melts smoother and gives the creamy sauce a richer texture.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Let leftovers cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven at 325°F, adding a splash of milk or water to keep it moist.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this baked mac n cheese, as it can change the creamy texture and make the sauce grainy once reheated.
Additions & Substitution
ADDITIONS:
- Top with bread crumbs or crushed ritz crackers for a crispy finish.
- Stir in cooked bacon, diced ham, or sautéed vegetables for a heartier main dish.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- Use gluten-free pasta to make it allergy-friendly.
- Swap in cream cheese or sour cream for added richness.
- Replace whole milk with heavy cream or add a splash of milk to loosen leftovers.
FAQs about this Baked Mac and Cheese:
What Can I Serve with this Baked Macaroni and Cheese?
This Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese goes great with meatloaf, pork chops, or shredded BBQ chicken. It’s also a great side with baked beans or a fresh garden salad.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
I’m excited for you to try this Old Fashioned Baked Mac and Cheese! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do!
Old Fashioned Baked Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- 1 13X9 baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 1/4 cups whole milk warmed
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded and divided
- 1 cup Colby-Jack cheese shredded
- 10 slices American cheese torn into pieces
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish, or lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Cook macaroni in salted water according to package directions until al dente (about 2 minutes less than fully cooked). Drain and set aside. 1 pound elbow macaroni.
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes to make a roux. 1/2 cup butter,1/2 cup all-purpose flour.
- Gradually whisk in warmed milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens and can coat the back of a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. 4 1/4 cups whole milk.
- Remove from heat and stir in dry mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper. 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder,1/2 teaspoon onion powder,3/4 teaspoon salt,1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Add 2 cups of the cheddar cheese, all of the Colby-Jack, American cheese, and Parmesan. Stir until completely melted and smooth. 3 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese,1 cup Colby-Jack cheese,10 slices American cheese,1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Fold in the cooked macaroni until well coated with cheese sauce.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Pro Tip:
For best results, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese. It melts smoother and gives the creamy sauce a richer texture.Nutrition
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