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Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic. Featuring a rich blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses combined with evaporated milk and eggs for a velvety texture, this baked macaroni dish is topped with paprika for a subtle smoky hint. Perfect for family dinners, it offers a satisfying, golden-bubbly crust and rich flavor in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter

Cheese Mixture

  • 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Milk Mixture

  • 2 (370 mL/12 oz) cans evaporated milk
  • 1/3 cup milk of choice
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

Topping

  • 1 teaspoon paprika


Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain thoroughly and immediately toss with the salted butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  2. Prepare the milk mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, regular milk, eggs, and garlic salt until well combined. This mixture will create the creamy custard base that binds the cheese and pasta together.
  3. Assemble the dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased baking pan, layer the macaroni and shredded cheeses evenly. Pour the milk and egg mixture evenly over the layered macaroni and cheese, ensuring full coverage.
  4. Add topping and bake: Sprinkle the surface with paprika to add color and a mild smoky flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mac and cheese is bubbly throughout. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense cheesy flavor.
  • Substitute the milk of choice with whole milk or 2% for creaminess.
  • To make it gluten-free, substitute macaroni with gluten-free pasta.
  • Letting the dish rest after baking helps it set for easier serving.
  • Adding breadcrumbs on top before baking can add a crunchy texture if desired.