Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese

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Old-fashioned macaroni and cheese is a comfort food classic that brings back warm memories. This easy recipe lets you make a creamy, cheesy dish your family will love. You can whip up this delicious meal in just over an hour with simple ingredients you probably have in your kitchen already.

The key to great mac and cheese is using good quality cheese and cooking the pasta just right. This recipe calls for mild cheddar, but you can mix it up with other cheeses too. The eggs and milk create a custardy texture that holds everything together. Your taste buds will thank you for this cheesy, comforting treat!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this yummy old-fashioned macaroni and cheese:

• 4 cups elbow macaroni, cooked
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups milk

Make sure to cook your macaroni before starting. You’ll want it al dente – firm but not crunchy.

For the cheese, mild cheddar works great. But feel free to mix it up! Sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses can add extra flavor.

The butter helps make everything creamy and smooth. Don’t skip it!

Salt and pepper are key for taste. You can add more if you like, but start with these amounts.

Eggs and milk form a custard that makes this mac and cheese extra rich and gooey.

With these simple ingredients, you’ll have a classic comfort food ready in no time. Get ready for cheesy goodness!

Instructions

Get ready to make some tasty mac and cheese! Here’s what you need to do:

1. 
   

   Turn your oven on to 350°F. It needs time to warm up.

   
   
2. 
   

   Grab a 1.5-quart baking dish. Rub it with butter or spray it so the food won’t stick.

   
   
3. 
   

   Put your cooked macaroni in the dish. Add the butter, cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up.

   
   
4. 
   

   In a bowl, crack open the eggs and pour in the milk. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pour this egg and milk mix over your macaroni. Make sure it covers everything.

   
   
6. 
   

   Now, pop the dish in the oven. Let it bake for 40 to 50 minutes.

   
   

You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and bubbly. The smell will make your mouth water!

Take it out of the oven carefully – it’s hot! Let it cool for a few minutes before you dig in.

This recipe makes enough for 6 people. You can always make extra if you want leftovers!

Possible Substitutes List

You can easily swap out ingredients in this classic mac and cheese recipe. Here are some tasty options:

Pasta:

• Penne
• Shells
• Rotini
• Farfalle (bow-tie)

Cheese:

• Sharp cheddar for more flavor
• Gouda for a smoky taste
• Monterey Jack for a mild, creamy texture
• Gruyère for a fancy twist

Milk:

• Heavy cream for extra richness
• Half-and-half for a balanced texture
• Almond milk for a dairy-free option

You can also add some fun mix-ins:

• Crumbled bacon
• Diced ham
• Steamed broccoli
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Diced tomatoes

For a crunchy topping, try:

• Breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter
• Crushed crackers
• Crispy fried onions

Feel free to play around with these substitutes. You might discover a new favorite mac and cheese combo!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

You can make this mac and cheese recipe better for people with diabetes. Here are some easy changes:

• Use whole wheat macaroni instead of regular pasta. Whole wheat has more fiber.

• Replace half the cheddar with low-fat cheese. This cuts down on fat and calories.

• Use skim milk instead of whole milk. It has less fat but still tastes creamy.

• Add veggies like broccoli or spinach. They give extra nutrients without many carbs.

• Use less pasta and more veggies to lower the carb count.

• Try Greek yogurt instead of some of the milk. It adds protein and makes the sauce thick.

When cooking, follow these tips:

1. Cook the whole wheat pasta until it’s just tender.
2. Steam veggies and mix them in with the pasta.
3. Use low-fat cheese and skim milk when making the sauce.
4. Add spices like garlic powder or mustard for extra flavor without calories.

These small changes make a big difference. You’ll still get to enjoy cheesy, yummy mac and cheese. But it will be healthier and better for managing blood sugar.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Cook your macaroni just until al dente. It will keep cooking in the oven, so you don’t want it too soft.

Try different cheeses for new flavors. Mix in some sharp cheddar or smoked gouda with the mild cheddar.

Add a crunchy topping before baking. Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top for extra texture.

Let the mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

To freeze, let it cool completely. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

When reheating, add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Stir well and heat until warm throughout.

For a quick lunch, make individual portions in muffin tins. Freeze and reheat as needed.