• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Restless Chipotle

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • YouTube
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Start Here
    • Ingredients Substitutions
    • Tips for Measuring Ingredients Accurately
  • About
  • Shop
  • Your Recipe Box
  • Meal Plans
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • My Recipes
  • Meal Plans
  • Start Here!
  • Videos
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Recipe Box
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipes
    • My Recipes
    • Meal Plans
    • Start Here!
    • Videos
    • Blog
    • Shop
    • Recipe Box
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Casserole Recipes

    Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

    Published: Oct 7, 2020 Last Updated: Aug 26, 2021 by Marye 1966 words. | About 10 minutes to read this article.

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Each spoonful of this baked macaroni and cheese is an old fashioned delight of creamy sauce, tender macaroni, a scatter of crispy breadcrumbs, and a forest of gooey cheese strings stretching from casserole to serving spoon. Gramma would approve.
    Total time 45 minutes
    Jump to Recipe
    Macaroni and cheese being served. Text overlay for Pinterest.

    Next time try the tavern style skillet mac and cheese with beer.

    A serving of macaroni and cheese being remove from a pan with gooey cheese strings hanging down. Title text overlay.
    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
    • 🧾Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 🥄 Equipment
    • 💭 Tips
    • What to serve with macaroni and cheese
    • 👩‍🍳 FAQs
    • 📚 Related recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe

    • just like grandma used to make
    • assemble or make it ahead
    • crowd pleasing for generations

    Tender macaroni is swathed in the smoothest sauce, with cubes of two types of cheese stirred in so that every bite is a combination of creamy and gooey goodness. Buttery, crunchy crumbs add texture and an extra pop of flavor.

    If comfort food had a hierarchy this retro mac and cheese recipe would be the goddess of them all.

    🧾Ingredients

    Serve this classic recipe along with your favorite memories for a family dinner they'll remember.

    Labeled ingredients for macaroni and cheese recipe.

    For best flavor use a mixture of different kinds of cheese. I used Swiss, sharp Cheddar, and medium Cheddar but you can use any combination you like. A smoked cheddar or Pepper Jack is fabulous in this!

    🔪 Instructions

    Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the green recipe card below.

    How to make roux

    The creamy roux is the secret to gooey, delicious baked macaroni and cheese! It's easy - here's how... (you an also watch the 2 minute video for a look at the technique in action!)

    First four steps to make roux.
    1. Melt the butter in a heavy pan until it is melted and it foams. Don't let it start to darken.
    2. Whisk in the flour over medium-low heat until all the lumps are gone and it's smooth.
    3. Continue to cook, stirring often and making sure that stir in the mixture from the sides of the pan. I use a rubber spatula for this.
    4. Cook until the mixture is light brown. This will take maybe 5 minutes or less.
    Steps 5 through 8 of making the roux.
    1. Whisk in the milk a little at a time. It will bubble up and get lumpy but that's ok - just keep adding the milk and whisking until it's smooth.
    2. Cook and whisk until thickened.
    3. Beat the eggs and add some (about ¼ cup) of the hot mixture to them slowly, beating constantly.
    4. Now add the mixture back to the pan, whisking constantly. Cook, stirring constantly until it is thick and creamy.
    1. Add the cheese.
    2. Stir until smooth and it's ready to use!

    How to put it together

    Step by step images for making mac and cheese.
    1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a little bit of salt. Cook the macaroni just past the a la dente stage. Drain and add to a casserole dish with the creamy cheese sauce.
    2. Stir in the sauce and add the cheese cubes.
    3. Stir and sprinkle the bread crumbs on top. Drizzle with butter.
    4. Bake until the top is crispy and the cheese is gooey.

    🥄 Equipment

    You'll need the following items to make this recipe successfully.

    • casserole dish
    • medium bowl
    • medium saucepan
    • whisk
    • large saucepan

    💭 Tips

    This baked mac and cheese is full of old fashioned goodness, crispy, buttery bread crumbs, and those tell-tale strands of gooey cheese. Making this family favorite from scratch instead of from a box is easy!

    Expert Tip: Grate the cheese from a block of cheese - it will have a creamier texture when it melts.

    • The cheesiness comes from two kinds of cheese used in two different ways. You can use more varieties if you like.
    • Grate the cheese from a block of cheese - it will have a creamier texture when it melts.
    • I like to use Panko for the top because it stays crispier but homemade bread crumbs or crushed Ritz crackers are fine, too.
    • When you add the milk to the roux stir...stir...stir.... it will look like it's clumping up but if you stir constantly it will smooth out. Stir until the mixture coats the back of a spoon.
    • Mac & Cheese is versatile, you can add almost anything. Bacon, smoked sausage, leftover roast beef, your favorite vegetables...
    • Put together this old fashioned macaroni and cheese casserole the night before if you like, just be sure to leave off the crumbs until you are ready to bake. When you get home from work the next evening, or get home from sky diving, or whatever it is you do, add the crumbs and slide it into the oven for a half hour while you relax with a glass of wine and your favorite reality show.
    • As much as I hate to say this - overcook the macaroni just slightly. You don't want it a la dente for this dish. When it is soft (but not so much that it's mushy) then it absorbs the cheese sauce a bit more. Everyone will want to know your secret.
    • Try using evaporated milk instead of regular milk. It's even creamier!

    Make it stretch

    Macaroni and cheese is definitely budget friendly but there are ways to cut the cost.

    • Use half the amount of cheese
    • Use all milk instead of part cream
    • Add more pasta
    • Use leftovers as a topping for shepherd's pie or other casseroles
    Back to school cookbook cover.

    Enjoy 30 quick weeknight dinner recipes!

    Get the Cookbook!

    What to serve with macaroni and cheese

    If you're using macaroni and cheese as a main dish and wondering what kind of side dish to serve with it I've got you! Here are some of my favorite go-withs!

    • buttered broccoli is simple and is perfect with the richness of this dish
    • southern green beans go with everything
    • a crispy salad
    • pan fried brussels sprouts
    • a big pan of grandma's cloverleaf rolls
    • this marinated green bean salad but I'd leave out the potatoes.
    • spiced apple rings
    • fried cabbage
    • fresh sliced tomatoes with salt and pepper

    If you're using it as a side dish then mac and cheese goes with -

    • pork chops
    • chicken
    • fried chicken or chicken nuggies
    • bbq beef
    • bbq pork or chicken
    • meatloaf
    • hamburgers
    • hot dogs or corn dogs
    • almost anything!

    👩‍🍳 FAQs

    Here are the questions I am most frequently asked about this homemade macaroni and cheese recipe.

    Can you make this ahead of time and bake later?

    Yes you can. Cover it and refrigerate without the crumbs on top. Just before baking add the crumbs and you're ready to go!

    How long does macaroni and cheese keep?

    You can keep leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for at least 3 days and up to 5. I like to seal serving sized squares of it in my vacuum sealer so that during the busiest times the family can grab, microwave, and go!

    Can you freeze it?

    You can but the texture will change. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months.

    How do you make it creamy again when reheating?

    Be sure to add some milk when reheating and keep the dish covered. That will revive it a little and keep it from drying out.

    How to reheat macaroni and cheese

    Cover with foil and bake at 350F for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

    Which cheese is best?

    I like to make the ultimate baked macaroni and cheese with a mixture of cheeses that almost always includes sharp Cheddar. Cheeses to try are:
    Pepper Jack
    Colby
    Swiss
    Gruyere
    Mild Cheddar
    Parmesan
    Mozzarella
    American
    Extra Sharp Cheddar
    Monterey Jack

    Overhead view of a casserole dish with a serving removed and a serving plate nearby.

    📚 Related recipes

    When the weather starts getting chilly I start craving comfort food. Here are some of my favorites -

    • Chicken and Noodles casserole can be finished in the oven with a crispy topping or on top of the stove for old fashioned, creamy goodness.
    • King Ranch Casserole is made with chicken, Ro*Tel, and onion mixed with a creamy, rich sauce and layered in a casserole dish with corn tortillas and a generous amount of cheese.  Very quick meal.
    • Cheesy Mexican Lasagne is the perfect mixture of Italian and Tex-Mex. Corn tortillas are layered with cheese, refried beans, and spiced ground beef to create an easy, make-ahead meal the whole family will love
    • Old Fashioned Stuffed Bell Peppers are an inexpensive comfort food that can be made in the oven, crockpot, or top of stove. There are a lot of variations but here is how I like them, my Mom's Depression era recipe.
    • Chicken spaghetti is a family favorite your family will love!

    There is absolutely nothing that can boast its comfort food status better than a plate of old fashioned macaroni and cheese. The tender macaroni is not only is swathed in the rich, cheesy sauce but the macaroni soaks even more up while it's baking.

    📖 Recipe

    Serving of gooey macaroni and cheese being removed from the dish.
    4.52 from 91 votes

    Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese

    Print Pin Recipe Save Go to Collections
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Each spoonful of this baked macaroni and cheese is an old fashioned delight of creamy sauce, tender macaroni, a scatter of crispy breadcrumbs, and a forest of gooey cheese strings stretching from casserole to serving spoon. Gramma would approve.
    Course Main Dish,Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    Servings:8
    Calories:656
    Author:Marye Audet-White
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Equipment Needed

    • rubber spatula
    • 13x9-inch pan

    Ingredients

    • 16 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
    • ½ cup butter
    • ½ cup flour
    • 2 teaspoons mustard powder, optional, you may want a little more or a little less depending on your tastes
    • 2 cups milk, warm not hot
    • 2 cups half and half cream, warm not hot
    • 2 eggs
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • Fresh ground black pepper, generously to taste
    • 2 cups medium cheddar cheese, about ½ pound, shredded
    • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, This is about ¾ pound 1 cup shredded, the rest cubed
    • 1 cup diced Swiss cheese, about ¼ pound
    • 2 cups breadcrumbs, Panko works great - or use crushed Ritz crackers
    • ⅓ cup butter, melted

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°F.
    • Cook the macaroni in salted water until very tender - drain and set aside.
    • In a large, heavy saucepan melt the butter until it foams.
    • Add the flour mixed with salt and pepper and whisk until blended. (This is a roux)
    • Cook, whisking constantly, until the roux is a very light golden brown, moving the mixture around the pan constantly so it doesn’t scorch
    • Mix milk and cream together.
    • Pour milk mixture in slowly, whisking constantly.
    • Bring to a boil.
    • Reduce heat and cook while stirring until the mixture thickens – just a few minutes.
    • Stir in mustard powder if using.
    • Add about a ¼ cup of the hot mixture to the beaten egg a tablespoon at a time, beating well so the egg doesn’t curdle.
    • Add the warm milk and egg mixture back into the mixture in the pan, whisking constantly. Cook for a minute or two.
    • Stir in 1 cup of the sharp cheddar and 1 ½ cups of the medium cheddar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
    • Add the macaroni to a prepared baking dish (sprayed with non-stick spray).
    • Cover with the sauce and stir to blend.
    • Add the cheese cubes and stir in.
    • Top with bread crumbs.
    • Drizzle with melted butter.
    • Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
    • Let the casserole stand for five minutes before serving.

    Notes

    This baked mac and cheese is full of old fashioned goodness, crispy, buttery bread crumbs, and those tell-tale strands of gooey cheese. It's the ultimate comfort food.
    The main things to remember are:
    • The cheesiness comes from two kinds of cheese used in two different ways. You can use more varieties if you like.
    • Grate the cheese from a block of cheese - it will have a creamier texture when it melts.
    • I like to use Panko for the top because it stays crispier but homemade bread crumbs or crushed Ritz crackers are fine, too.
    • When you add the milk to the roux stir...stir...stir.... it will look like it's clumping up but if you stir constantly it will smooth out. Stir until the mixture coats the back of a spoon.
    • Mac & Cheese is versatile, you can add almost anything. Bacon, smoked sausage, leftover roast beef, your favorite vegetables...
    • Put together this old fashioned macaroni and cheese casserole the night before if you like, just be sure to leave off the crumbs until you are ready to bake. When you get home from work the next evening, or get home from sky diving, or whatever it is you do then add the crumbs and slide it into the oven for a half hour while you relax with a glass of wine and your favorite reality show.
    • As much as I hate to say this - overcook the macaroni just slightly. You don't want it a la dente for this dish. When it is soft (but not so much that it's mushy) then it absorbs the cheese sauce a bit more. Everyone will want to know your secret.
    • Cornflakes work great in place of the breadcrumbs on the top.

    Nutrition Facts

    Calories: 656kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Cholesterol: 176mg | Sodium: 701mg | Potassium: 287mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1495IU | Vitamin C: 0.6mg | Calcium: 606mg | Iron: 2.2mg

    Sign up for the emails and never miss another recipe!!

      We'll never share your email or send you spam. Pinkie swear.

      Originally published November 2013. Last updated October 7, 2020 to improve instructions, add step by step images, and overall better reader experience.

      « Crockpot Green Chicken Pozole (Pozole Verde)
      Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies »

      About Marye

      With a 40 year focus on the importance of family and a passion for southern comfort food, Marye Audet-White is an expert in melding the two together effortlessly. Marye's a NY Times Bestselling author with 10 cookbooks under her belt and her recipes have been featured in Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Today, House Beautiful, Texas Living, Food & Wine, and many more.

      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Julia

        November 13, 2018 at 9:45 am

        Baked mac and cheese is my weakness. I just love it!! Your recipe looks so delicious. I can't imagine the holidays without a side of macaroni and cheese.

        Reply
      2. Lisa Weidknecht

        April 01, 2017 at 11:18 pm

        Thank you SO much! I am so excited to have won!

        Reply
      3. Christy Leonard

        March 28, 2017 at 10:29 pm

        I want these pans because my favorite color is blue and these would go perfect in my kitchen.

        Reply
      4. Karen D

        March 28, 2017 at 10:11 pm

        Right now my pans are a combination of early American hand me downs. Getting a matched set is on my list of stuff to do this year. 🙂

        Reply
      5. Susan Chester

        March 28, 2017 at 9:16 pm

        I would love to win these pans for my mother. Her pans are awful!

        Reply
      6. Laurie Emerson

        March 28, 2017 at 8:33 pm

        5 stars
        I would love to have these pans as I cook for between 6-10 people each night of the week. The ones I have now are getting so old and tired (a lot like me). These would make cooking so much easier!

        Reply
      7. Brittney House

        March 28, 2017 at 8:20 pm

        My pans are really old and it's gets embarrassing when inviting others over for a meal.

        Reply
      8. Dorothy Deakyne

        March 28, 2017 at 4:20 pm

        my pans are shot and i am a senior raising grand son, so i do lots of cooking/baking

        Reply
      9. Donna Clifford

        March 28, 2017 at 11:53 am

        We need new pans. 🙂

        Reply
      10. Tara Woods

        March 28, 2017 at 11:34 am

        I would love to own a complete set for cooking and this is beautiful. I love the color.

        Reply
      « Older Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Love it? Give it 5 stars!




      Primary Sidebar

      Marye Audet-White, founder of Restless Chipotle Media

      Hey Y'all, I'm Marye.

      NY Times bestselling author. Written over 10 cookbooks. Mom of 8 kids. Homeschooling mom for 22 years. Army veteran. Nothing fazes me & together we're going to get the kind of meals on your table that you (and your family) have been dreaming of. 

      More about me →

      Summer Fun

      • Patriotic Fruit Salad
      • Patriotic Jello Poke Cake
      • Plain Cheesecake Recipe- No Fail NY Style
      • How to Make a Watermelon Basket - It's Seriously Easy

      Newest Meal Plan

      • Meal Plan 23: May 28 - June 3

      Popular Recipes

      • Crockpot Ranch Chicken (Easy Weeknight Recipe)
      • Southern Chicken Spaghetti with RoTel
      • Crispy Fried Potatoes
      • Sex in the Driveway: Bright Blue Cocktail
      • Saltine Cracker Recipe (Soda Crackers)
      • Copycat Red Robin Campfire Sauce Recipe
      • Chicken Casserole with Stovetop Stuffing
      • No Bake Lemon Icebox Pie: Grandma's Favorite

      Creamy Chicken Recipes

      12 Creamy Chicken Recipes the Family Will Love

      Footer

      ^ back to top

      About

      • About Marye Audet-White
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms & Conditions
      • Accessibility Policy
      MaryeAudet Whiteandherchildren Dec

      Featured in:

      Companies that Marye Audet-White and Restless Chipotle have been affiliated with.

      Contact Marye

      • Contact
      Marye Audet-White, founder of Restless Chipotle Media

      Copyright ©2021 Restless Chipotle Media, LLC