Grandma’s Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a heartwarming dish that captures the essence of comfort food. With its creamy, cheesy goodness and golden, crusty topping, this recipe evokes cherished memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in. Perfect for any occasion, this baked macaroni and cheese is not only easy to make but guarantees smiles all around the dinner table. With a straightforward, step-by-step approach, you’ll see just how simple it is to create this delicious dish that everyone loves.

Ingredients

To whip up this delightful mac and cheese, you will need:

• 1 1/2 lbs Cavatappi Pasta Mac: These twisted noodles are perfect for holding onto the rich cheese sauce.
• 8 cups Chicken Broth: A flavorful base that enhances the overall taste.
• 1 tsp Chicken Bouillon Paste: Adds depth and a savory element to the dish.
• 2 tbsp Salted Butter: Essential for achieving a rich and creamy texture.
• 16 oz Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, providing that gooey consistency.
• 8 oz Sharp Cheddar: Adds a bold flavor to the mix.
• 8 oz Colby Jack: Offers a tangy twist to the creamy base.
• 6 oz Gruyere Cheese: Delivers a nutty flavor profile that elevates the dish further.
• 24 oz Evaporated Milk: Provides creaminess without the heaviness of heavy cream alone.
• 1 cup Heavy Cream: For an ultra-rich and decadent sauce.
• 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard: Introduces a subtle tanginess that balances the flavors perfectly.
• 1 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder: Enhances the dish with aromatic undertones.
• 1 1/2 tsp Onion Powder: Complements the garlic for a well-rounded taste.
• 1 1/2 tsp Seasoned Salt: Adjust to your preference for a savory boost.
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika: Adds warmth and mild smokiness.
• 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper: For a gentle kick of heat, which can be adjusted to taste.
• 4 oz Cream Cheese: Creates an extra creamy texture that is irresistible.
• 1/4 cup Sour Cream: Contributes to the tanginess of the cheese sauce.
• 2 large Eggs: Helps bind the mixture together for a better texture.
• 6-8 slices Mozzarella Cheese: For that melty topping that makes every bite delightful.
• 3 tbsp Salted Butter: Used for greasing the baking dish and adds extra flavor to the topping.
• 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy texture contrast to the creaminess.

Step-by-Step Directions

Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. While the oven warms up, grease a 9×13 pan with 2 tbsp of softened butter, ensuring both the bottom and sides are well-coated to prevent sticking.

Next, shred all of the cheeses and set aside the 4 oz of cheddar cheese for topping later on. This melty cheese blend is the heart of your mac and cheese.

In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, then mix in 2 tbsp of butter and 1 tsp of chicken bouillon paste until well combined.

In the same pot used to cook the pasta, pour in the evaporated milk and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir gently until it’s warmed through, making sure not to let it boil. Now, add all the shredded cheese (except the reserved cheddar) along with mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and cream cheese. Stir until everything is fully combined and creamy, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Remove the pot from the heat and fold in the sour cream. Mix until thoroughly combined, then add the seasoned pasta noodles, stirring until every noodle is coated in that luscious cheese sauce. Incorporate the eggs, mixing until all ingredients are well blended.

Now, transfer half of the macaroni and cheese to the greased baking pan. Evenly layer the mozzarella cheese slices over this base, then add the remaining macaroni and cheese on top. Finally, sprinkle the reserved 4 oz of cheddar cheese over the top for a beautiful, cheesy crust.

For that delightful crunchy topping, you can melt 3 tbsp of butter in a skillet, adding the panko breadcrumbs. Toss them together for about 5 minutes until they turn golden brown. Evenly distribute the breadcrumbs over the macaroni and cheese, and if desired, dust the top with a dash of paprika for added color.

Place the baking dish on top of a baking sheet to catch any drippings, then bake in the 350-degree oven for 25-30 minutes uncovered, until it’s bubbling and golden brown on top. For an extra crisp finish, broil for a few minutes until it reaches your desired level of golden deliciousness. Allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the cheese set slightly.

Tips & Tricks

• Cheese Selection: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses based on your preferences. Gouda or Fontina can also add a nice touch.
• Make It Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time, just bake when ready to serve.
• Spice It Up: If you love added heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
• Exactly Al Dente: Ensure you don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook while baking.
• Vegetable Additions: For a healthier twist, you can mix in sautéed vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or peas.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese can be served as a stand-alone meal or as a delightful side. It pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, or a fresh garden salad. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy dinners at home. You could even serve it as a comforting lunch with a side of crusty bread or garlic knots.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (approx. 1 cup):

• Calories: 550
• Total Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 37g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 23g

While this dish is rich and indulgent, balancing it with plenty of vegetables in your meal can help make it a more nutritionally-rounded option.

Storing Tips & Variations

If you have leftovers, store the macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish before baking it. Wrap tightly and it can last up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

For variations, you might try adding different spices or toppings such as cooked bacon bits or diced tomatoes for a burst of flavor.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a nostalgic, heartwarming dish that brings comfort and joy to every meal. Once you’ve tasted how easy it is to prepare this creamy, delicious recipe, you’ll want to share it with family and friends. Don’t forget to let others know about your experience with this delightful mac and cheese!

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free options, ensuring they are cooked to al dente for the best results.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use a vegetarian-friendly cheese blend.

3. How do I prevent the cheese from becoming oily?
Mixing the cheeses properly and ensuring that the sauce isn’t boiled helps maintain a creamy consistency rather than an oily one.

4. How can I keep the mac and cheese creamy when reheating?
Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to help restore the creamy texture.

5. Can I add meats to this mac and cheese?
Certainly! Cooked chicken, ham, or crumbled sausage can provide additional flavor and protein.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

A heartwarming dish capturing the essence of comfort food, featuring creamy cheese and a crunchy topping that guarantees smiles at the dinner table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Cavatappi Pasta Twisted noodles perfect for holding cheese sauce.
• 8 cups Chicken Broth Flavorful base to enhance the taste.
• 1 tsp Chicken Bouillon Paste Adds depth to the dish.
• 2 tbsp Salted Butter Essential for creamy texture.
• 16 oz Mozzarella Cheese Melts beautifully for gooey consistency.
• 8 oz Sharp Cheddar Adds bold flavor.
• 8 oz Colby Jack Offers a tangy twist.
• 6 oz Gruyere Cheese Delivers a nutty flavor.
• 24 oz Evaporated Milk Adds creaminess.
• 1 cup Heavy Cream For an ultra-rich sauce.
• 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard Adds tanginess.
• 1.5 tsp Garlic Powder Enhances flavor.
• 1.5 tsp Onion Powder Complements the garlic.
• 1.5 tsp Seasoned Salt Adjust to taste.
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Adds warmth.
• 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper Adjust for desired heat.
• 4 oz Cream Cheese Adds extra creaminess.
• 0.25 cup Sour Cream Adds tanginess.
• 2 large Eggs Helps bind the mixture.
• 6-8 slices Mozzarella Cheese For topping.
• 3 tbsp Salted Butter For greasing the baking dish.
• 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Provides crunchy texture.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×13 pan with 2 tbsp of softened butter.
2. Shred all the cheeses and reserve 4 oz of cheddar cheese for topping later.

Cooking

1. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, then mix in 2 tbsp of butter and 1 tsp of chicken bouillon until well combined.
3. In the same pot, pour in the evaporated milk and heavy cream over medium heat until warmed through.
4. Add all the shredded cheese (except the reserved cheddar), mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and cream cheese. Stir until fully combined.
5. Remove from heat and fold in the sour cream. Mix well, then add the seasoned pasta noodles along with the eggs, mixing until blended.
6. Transfer half of the macaroni and cheese to the greased baking pan. Layer the mozzarella cheese slices, then add the remaining macaroni and cheese on top.
7. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese on top.
8. In a skillet, melt 3 tbsp of butter and add the panko breadcrumbs, tossing until golden brown. Distribute evenly over the macaroni.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown. Broil for a few minutes for a crispy finish, then cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Experiment with cheese selections, make ahead by assembling early, and consider adding diced jalapeños for added heat. Mix in sautéed vegetables for a healthier twist.