If there’s one dish that takes me straight back to childhood, it’s a big, bubbly dish of homemade mac and cheese. You know the kind I’m talking about—the rich, creamy, cheese-loaded macaroni, baked to golden perfection with that crispy, cheesy top layer. It’s comfort food at its finest, and honestly, nothing from a box could ever compare.
This Southern-style mac and cheese is everything you want in a homemade dish: buttery, creamy, gooey, and packed with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for the perfect balance of flavor. The secret? A simple custard base that bakes into the pasta, giving it that classic, old-fashioned texture that just melts in your mouth.
So whether you’re making this for a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or the holidays, you can bet it’ll be the first thing to disappear from the table. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so irresistible!
The Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this mac and cheese is its simple yet delicious ingredients. You probably already have most of these in your kitchen, which makes it even easier to whip up.
Here’s what you’ll need:
✔ Elbow Macaroni (3 cups dry) – The classic pasta shape for mac and cheese, perfect for holding onto that creamy sauce.
✔ Salted Butter (4 Tbsp) – Because everything’s better with butter! It adds richness and helps coat the noodles.
✔ Evaporated Milk (2 cans, 12 oz each) – This is the key to that ultra-creamy texture without being too heavy.
✔ Milk of Choice (⅓ cup) – Regular, whole, or even a milk alternative works.
✔ Eggs (2 large) – They help create a custard-style base that binds everything together beautifully.
✔ Garlic Salt (¼ tsp) – Just a touch for extra depth of flavor.
✔ Cheddar Cheese (4 cups, shredded) – Sharp cheddar is the star of the show! It gives the mac and cheese its bold, tangy flavor.
✔ Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded) – For that extra gooey, stretchy cheese pull.
✔ Paprika (1 tsp) – Adds a subtle smoky flavor and a gorgeous golden color on top.
Now that we have our ingredients, it’s time to put them together for the best homemade mac and cheese you’ll ever taste!
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and makes for easier cleanup later.
Step 2: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your elbow macaroni until al dente—meaning it should be tender but still firm to the bite. Overcooking will make the pasta too soft, and we don’t want mushy mac and cheese!
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and return it to the pot.
Step 3: Add That Buttery Goodness
Immediately stir in the butter while the pasta is still warm, allowing it to melt and evenly coat every noodle. This not only adds flavor but also helps keep the noodles from sticking together.
At this point, you’ll already see the pasta glistening with buttery goodness—and trust me, it only gets better from here!
Step 4: Prepare the Custard Mixture
This is what sets old-fashioned mac and cheese apart from the stovetop versions. Instead of making a roux-based cheese sauce, we’re using a custard-style mix that bakes into the pasta for that rich, creamy texture.
In a large bowl, whisk together:
✔ Evaporated milk
✔ Regular milk
✔ Eggs
✔ Garlic salt
Make sure everything is well combined, as this mixture will be poured over the macaroni to create the perfect baked texture.
Step 5: Mix the Cheeses
In a separate bowl, toss together the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. This ensures that every bite has an even mix of flavors—the bold sharpness of cheddar with the gooey stretchiness of mozzarella.
At this point, your kitchen already smells amazing, but we’re just getting started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
❤️ Super Creamy & Cheesy – The combination of cheddar and mozzarella melts beautifully.
❤️ Baked to Perfection – No runny sauce, just rich, cheesy goodness in every bite.
❤️ Crowd-Pleasing Favorite – Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and the holidays!
❤️ Easy & Simple Ingredients – Nothing fancy, just classic flavors that always deliver.
Now that we’ve prepped our pasta, melted the butter, and whisked together our creamy custard base, it’s time for the fun part—assembling and baking this Southern-style mac and cheese to golden, bubbly perfection!
The secret to making the creamiest, cheesiest baked mac and cheese is layering. By stacking the cheese and pasta instead of just mixing everything together, every bite has gooey cheese evenly distributed throughout. Plus, that top layer of melted cheese? Pure magic.
Step 6: Layer the Mac and Cheese
Now that we’ve got everything prepped, grab your greased 9×13-inch baking dish and start layering:
1️⃣ First layer: Spread ⅓ of the cooked macaroni evenly in the dish.
2️⃣ Cheese it up: Sprinkle ⅓ of the shredded cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
3️⃣ Repeat: Add another ⅓ of the macaroni, then ⅓ of the cheese.
4️⃣ Final layer: Add the remaining pasta, followed by the last of the cheese.
This layering method ensures that every bite is packed with melty, gooey goodness instead of the cheese just settling at the bottom.
Step 7: Pour the Custard Mixture
Now comes the magic touch—the creamy milk and egg mixture that makes this dish so rich and flavorful.
✔ Slowly and evenly pour the custard mixture over the layered mac and cheese, making sure it seeps through all the layers.
✔ The liquid will absorb into the pasta while baking, giving it that old-fashioned, Southern-style texture.
Step 8: Add the Finishing Touch – Paprika!
For the final flavor boost, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of paprika over the top.
✔ It adds a touch of smoky depth.
✔ It enhances the golden-brown color once baked.
✔ It’s a small but powerful ingredient that makes a difference!
Step 9: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Place your assembled mac and cheese in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until:
✅ The cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.
✅ The edges are slightly crisp.
✅ The center is set but still creamy.
Pro Tip: If you love an extra-crispy cheese topping, broil the mac and cheese for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
Step 10: Let It Rest, Then Serve!
I know, I know—the smell is irresistible, but let the mac and cheese rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
✔ This helps the custard set fully.
✔ It allows the cheese to thicken up for the ultimate creamy texture.
✔ It prevents scorching your mouth on molten cheese (because we’ve all been there!).
And that’s it—you’ve just made the best old-fashioned baked mac and cheese ever! 🍽️
Pro Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese Ever
✔ Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the texture grainy. Always shred your own for the creamiest melt!
✔ Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Remember, the macaroni will continue cooking in the oven, so keep it al dente to avoid mushy results.
✔ Let the Custard Do Its Thing – Pouring the milk mixture over the layers ensures it soaks evenly into the pasta, creating that classic baked texture.
✔ Customize with Mix-Ins – Want to take it up a notch? Add crumbled bacon, caramelized onions, or even a dash of hot sauce to spice things up!
✔ For Extra Creaminess – Stir in ½ cup of sour cream or cream cheese into the milk mixture before pouring it over the pasta.
FAQs, Storage Tips, and Final Thoughts on the Best Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
By now, your kitchen is filled with the irresistible aroma of melted cheese and buttery pasta. Your mac and cheese is baked to perfection, with a golden, bubbly top layer that just begs to be scooped up. But before we wrap things up, let’s answer some of the most common questions about this Southern-style baked mac and cheese and share some storage tips, serving suggestions, and fun variations!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! If you’re preparing this for a holiday or gathering, you can:
✔ Assemble the mac and cheese up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate.
✔ When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
✔ Bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if needed.
2. How do I keep my mac and cheese from being dry?
The key to avoiding dry mac and cheese is:
✔ Don’t overbake – 25-30 minutes is just enough to set the custard while keeping it creamy.
✔ Use evaporated milk – It provides creaminess without being too heavy.
✔ Layer the cheese instead of mixing it all in at once. This helps distribute moisture throughout the dish.
Pro Tip: If reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk before warming it up to restore creaminess.
3. Can I add a crunchy topping?
Yes! If you love a crispy texture, try:
✔ Breadcrumbs + Butter: Mix 1 cup of panko or regular breadcrumbs with 2 Tbsp of melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.
✔ Crushed Crackers: Buttery Ritz crackers or saltines add a delicious crunch.
✔ Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, crispy texture when sprinkled on top before baking.
4. Can I substitute different cheeses?
Of course! While cheddar and mozzarella make an amazing combo, you can mix things up with:
✔ Colby Jack – Mild and creamy.
✔ Gouda – Adds a subtle smokiness.
✔ Gruyère – A rich, nutty flavor perfect for fancy mac and cheese.
✔ Parmesan – Great for adding a salty bite to the top layer.
Just make sure to include at least one cheese with good melting properties (like cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack).
5. Can I make this without eggs?
Yes! The eggs in this recipe create a custard-style texture, but if you prefer a creamier, saucier mac and cheese:
✔ Omit the eggs and increase the regular milk to 1 cup instead of ⅓ cup.
✔ Stir the cheese directly into the hot pasta before layering instead of layering it separately.
This will create a smoother, creamier mac and cheese instead of a baked, custard-style version.
6. How do I store leftovers?
If you actually have leftovers (which is rare because this dish disappears FAST!), here’s how to store them:
✔ In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
✔ In the freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
To Reheat:
✔ Microwave: Add a splash of milk and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
✔ Oven: Cover with foil, add a little milk, and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
7. Can I add meat or veggies to this mac and cheese?
Yes! This recipe is super versatile. Try these delicious add-ins:
✔ Meat Add-Ins:
- Cooked and crumbled bacon
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- Seasoned ground beef or turkey
- Smoked sausage slices
✔ Veggie Add-Ins:
- Broccoli florets (blanched)
- Caramelized onions
- Roasted red peppers
- Spinach (chopped)
These add-ins make the dish heartier and even more flavorful!
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
If you’ve made it this far, you’re now a mac and cheese expert! 🎉 This recipe is rich, creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection—the ultimate comfort food that’s impossible to resist.
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Good Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
Nothing beats a classic, creamy, and cheesy homemade mac and cheese baked to golden perfection. This Southern-style mac and cheese is rich, comforting, and made with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella, giving it the perfect balance of flavor and gooeyness.
Ingredients
- 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 4 Tbsp salted butter
- 2 (12 oz / 370 mL) cans evaporated milk
- ⅓ cup milk of choice
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ tsp garlic salt
- 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2️⃣ Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and return to the pot.
3️⃣ Add butter: Stir in the butter until fully melted and evenly coats the pasta. Set aside.
4️⃣ Prepare the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, regular milk, eggs, and garlic salt until well combined.
5️⃣ Mix the cheeses: In a separate bowl, combine the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
6️⃣ Layer the mac and cheese: Spread ⅓ of the macaroni in the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle ⅓ of the cheese mixture on top. Repeat the layers twice more, finishing with cheese on top.
7️⃣ Pour the milk mixture evenly over the entire dish. Sprinkle with paprika for added color and flavor.
8️⃣ Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9️⃣ Cool and serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade, old-fashioned mac and cheese!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
- Want a crispy topping? Add buttered breadcrumbs or more cheddar cheese on top before baking.
- Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Use different cheeses: Try adding Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8
