Old Fashioned Mac N Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Old Fashioned Mac N Cheese recipe, a creamy, cheesy classic with a golden, crispy panko breadcrumb topping that’s baked to bubbly perfection. This hearty dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a luscious homemade cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, parmesan, whole milk, and heavy cream, creating a rich and velvety texture. The secret lies in building a smooth roux for the sauce and seasoning it with a touch of cayenne for optional heat. Perfectly finished in the oven, this crowd-pleaser is an easy yet indulgent main entree or side dish for family dinners, potlucks, or special gatherings. Whether you call it a bake or a casserole, this old-fashioned favorite is all about cozy satisfaction.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
- 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray and set aside.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and paprika (if using). Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1001 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.9 g | 73% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.4 g | 172% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 166 mg | 55% | |
| Sodium | 1243 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 83.3 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.7 g | ||
| Protein | 39.9 g | 80% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 849 mg | 65% | |
| Iron | 4.0 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 366 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
