You got it! 🧀✨ A Good Ole Fashioned Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection — just like grandma used to make. No fancy ingredients, no shortcuts — just classic, comforting, homemade goodness.
🥘 Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese (Baked Style)
Ingredients:
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8 oz elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2 cups whole milk (warm)
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2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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Optional: ¼ tsp paprika, pinch of mustard powder, or a dash of hot sauce for depth
Topping (optional but delicious):
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½ cup shredded cheese
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¼ cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
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1 tbsp butter, melted
🍴 Instructions:
1. Boil the Pasta:
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Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package says).
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Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Whisk in flour to make a roux, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes (don’t let it brown).
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Slowly whisk in warm milk until smooth.
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Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens (about 4–5 minutes).
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Stir in salt, pepper, and any optional spices.
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Remove from heat, then stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
3. Combine:
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Mix the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta.
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Pour into a greased 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish.
4. Add Topping (Optional):
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Sprinkle with more cheese and buttered breadcrumbs if desired.
5. Bake:
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Cool & Serve:
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Let rest 5 minutes before digging in — it’ll thicken up a bit as it sits.
🧀 Tips & Variations:
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Use a blend of cheeses: cheddar + mozzarella for meltiness, or cheddar + Gruyère for a fancier twist.
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Want it extra creamy? Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or evaporated milk.
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Add cooked bacon, jalapeños, or hot sauce for flavor boosts.
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For stovetop only: skip the baking and enjoy it straight after mixing pasta and cheese sauce.
Want a soul food-style version, a one-pot recipe, or a crockpot mac and cheese next?
