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.

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

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)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray and set aside.

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens.

Step 5

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).

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 7

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2112.3 grams (2112.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5956

Total Fat 344.00g	441%
Saturated Fat 203.90g	1020%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.10g
Cholesterol 1012mg	337%
Sodium 7307mg	318%
Total Carbohydrate 462.10g	168%
Dietary Fiber 20.30g	73%
Total Sugars 55.20g
Protein 243.80g	488%

Vitamin D 418IU	2091%
Calcium 5023mg	386%
Iron 24mg	132%
Potassium 1673mg	36%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.3%

Protein: 16.5%

Carbs: 31.2%