Old Fashioned Macaroni

Indulge in the comforting, nostalgic flavors of Old Fashioned Macaroni—a baked macaroni and cheese recipe that delivers creamy goodness and a satisfyingly crispy topping. Perfectly al dente elbow macaroni is enveloped in a velvety homemade cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, a hint of butter, and a rich roux base. Topped with golden breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and a sprinkle of paprika, this oven-baked classic transforms into a bubbling, golden masterpiece. Ready in just under an hour, this easy-to-make dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you crave a hearty, timeless favorite. Serve warm and watch it become everyone’s go-to comfort food!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2.5 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, ground
• 0.25 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook, stirring regularly, until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble slightly, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 6

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl, ensuring all the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 7

Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese (if using). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni. For extra flavor and visual appeal, lightly sprinkle paprika on top.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Old Fashioned Macaroni!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1232.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2941.7

Total Fat 154.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 92.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.8g
Cholesterol 473.9mg	0%
Sodium 6079.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 253.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.4g	0%
Total Sugars 41.1g
Protein 137.9g	0%

Vitamin D 325.4IU	0%
Calcium 3062.2mg	0%
Iron 12.7mg	0%
Potassium 1314.9mg	0%

*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: 47.1%

Protein: 18.7%

Carbs: 34.3%