Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese Recipe | CDKitchen.com (2024)

serves/makes:

ready in:

30-60 minutes

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a shallow, 2-quart baking dish.

Cook the macaroni in boiling water until al dente (8-9 minutes). Drain well and rinse under cool water. Set aside.

Melt half the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.

While stirring, add the milk, dry mustard, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and let cook for one minute. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Stir the pasta into the cheese sauce and mix to coat it evenly.

Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Melt the remaining butter and combine with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the buttered crumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni.

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake at 375 degrees F for 30 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes, the pasta will absorb any excess sauce while it rests.

Serve the old-fashioned macaroni and cheese hot.

Cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.

Stir the sauce constantly while cooking to prevent lumps.

Season the cheese sauce well to ensure the dish is flavorful.

Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.

Let the dish rest before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.

Butter the breadcrumbs for extra crunch and flavor.

Bake until the top is golden and bubbly for the best texture.

Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Experiment with adding herbs like thyme or parsley for a different flavor.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.