Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy, gooey, mac and cheese topped with crispy, buttery breadcrumbs brings old fashioned goodness to your table whenever you need serious comfort food.
Creamy, gooey, mac and cheese topped with crispy, buttery breadcrumbs brings old fashioned goodness to your table whenever you need serious comfort food.
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 8 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 16-ounce elbow macaroni (16 ounce cooked and drained)
- 2 teaspoons mustard powder (you may want a little more or a l
- 2 cups milk (warm not hot)
- 2 cups half and half cream (light warm, not hot)
- fresh ground black pepper (generously to taste)
- 2 cups medium cheddar cheese (about 1/2 pound shredded)
- 3 cups sharp cheddar (this is about 3/4 pound…i use tilla shredded)
- 1 cup diced swiss cheese (about 1/4 pound)
- Carbohydrate 51.165762942823 g
- Cholesterol 52.108333350539 mg
- Fat 22.4336691756666 g
- Fiber 2.52110416879695 g
- Protein 8.69131042305453 g
- Saturated Fat 12.998639171347 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (120g)
- Sodium 444.681417014073 mg
- Sugar 48.644658774026 g
- Trans Fat 1.92542041760108 g
- Calories 439 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook the macaroni in salted water - 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 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.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in mustard powder.
- Add about a 1/4 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.
- Stir in 3 cups of the cheddar and 1 cup of the medium cheddar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the cooked, drained macaroni and the diced Swiss cheese.
- Spoon the macaroni mixture into a buttered 13 x 9 inch casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining cheddar.
- Melt the remaining 1/3 cup of butter in a high sided frying pan.
- Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring constantly, until the crumbs are coated with butter and crispy.
- Add the breadcrumbs to the top of the macaroni and cheese and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
- Let the casserole stand for five minutes before serving.
Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese: A Comfort Food Classic
There's something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of macaroni and cheese. It's the quintessential comfort food, a dish that evokes feelings of nostalgia and happy memories. For me, this Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese recipe isn't just a meal; it's a trip down memory lane, a taste of simpler times, and a reminder of the love that goes into creating something truly delicious.
This isn't your average boxed mac and cheese. Oh no, this is the real deal. The kind of mac and cheese your grandma used to make (or maybe wished she had!). It's creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. The crispy buttery breadcrumbs on top add a delightful textural contrast, taking this classic comfort food to the next level. It's the kind of dish that disappears quickly, leaving everyone wanting more.
The Ingredients: A Symphony of Cheese
The secret to truly amazing macaroni and cheese lies in the quality of the ingredients. I’ve always believed that using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes all the difference. For this recipe, I use a combination of sharp cheddar and medium cheddar cheeses, which creates a beautifully balanced flavour profile. The addition of Swiss cheese adds a subtle nutty flavour and a lovely creamy texture.
The Process: A Labor of Love (Worth Every Minute)
While this recipe may seem a little involved compared to the convenience of a boxed variety, the effort is absolutely worth it. The creamy cheese sauce, made from scratch with a rich roux, is far superior to anything you can find in a box. The process itself is a therapeutic one; the gentle whisking, the slow simmering, the anticipation of the bubbly, golden-brown topping – it’s an experience as much as it is a recipe.
I remember making this dish for my family when my kids were young. It was a ritual, a way to connect and share a warm, satisfying meal together. The kitchen would fill with the delicious aroma of melting cheese and bubbling breadcrumbs, creating a sense of warmth and togetherness that I treasure.
More Than Just a Meal: A Tradition
This Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese recipe is more than just a dish; it's a tradition. It's a recipe that has been passed down through generations, a culinary legacy that brings joy and comfort to those who prepare and share it. It's a reminder that sometimes the simplest things in life are the most satisfying. So, gather your ingredients, put on some relaxing music, and prepare to create a culinary masterpiece that will warm your heart and nourish your soul.
Beyond the Kitchen: Sharing the Goodness
This mac and cheese is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply a cozy night in. It’s the kind of dish that everyone loves, regardless of age or culinary preference. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its deliciousness but also in its ability to bring people together. So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, give this recipe a try. I guarantee it will become a family favourite in no time.
Tips and Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A blend of Gruyere and Fontina would be delicious.
- If you don't have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers or panko instead.
- For an extra-creamy sauce, add a tablespoon or two of sour cream or crème fraîche.
So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking and experience the joy of creating this timeless classic. I'm confident that this Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese will become a staple in your kitchen, bringing warmth, comfort, and delicious memories to your table for years to come.
