Here’s a true old-fashioned macaroni and cheese — creamy, simple, and baked just like Grandma used to make 🧀
Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (very traditional, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a baking dish.
- Cook macaroni in salted water until just tender. Drain.
- Make the sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in milk and cook until slightly thickened. - Add cheese & seasoning
Remove from heat. Stir in cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika until melted. - Temper the egg (if using)
Stir a little hot sauce into the egg, then mix egg into sauce. - Combine macaroni and cheese sauce. Pour into baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until set and lightly golden.
Grandma’s Touch
- No breadcrumbs needed — the baked top is the classic crust.
- Use sharp cheddar for that deep, old-school flavor.
- Even better the next day.
Optional Add-Ins (Still Traditional)
- A little evaporated milk for extra creaminess
- Extra cheese layered on top
- A pinch of dry mustard
If you’d like, I can share a Southern custard-style version, stovetop old-fashioned, or slow-cooker mac and cheese.
