Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese: A Delicious Comfort Food Tradition

Did you know macaroni and cheese has been around for centuries? Though we usually think of it as the version that hugs the inside of a box or perhaps something made in a steamy stovetop pot the mac and cheese we know has grown to become a staple in American homes.

The truth is macaroni and cheese dates back at least to the 1700s! And granted the boxed version has become a go-to in a pinc there’s just something so extra nice about the old school baked macaroni and cheese. In this article we’ll explore the delicious history behind it, how to create the ultimate creamy and cheesy version and why this dish still stands the test of time.

Let us get out our baking dishes dig some cheese out of the fridge and start cooking!

A Brief History of Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Baked macaroni and cheese is embraced in the United States as comfort food but it has origins in Europe. The macaroni that we’re so fond of layering with cheese was brought to the United States by European immigrants especially those from England and Italy. The earliest macaroni and cheese recipes were pretty much designed to be simple endeavours that involved mixing pasta and a basic cheese sauce.

The oldest recorded recipe for macaroni and cheese comes from an English cookbook The Experienced English Housekeeper by Elizabeth Raffald published in 1769. This earliest iteration of mac and cheese was sparsely stocked a matter of pasta butter and cheese. But this dish became more sumptuous over the years adding things like cream and breadcrumbs eventually leading us to the oily creamy cheesy baked macaroni and cheese we eat today.

Why Baked Macaroni and Cheese?

You might be wondering Why does baked macaroni and cheese warrant its own cubby hole in our kitchens and hearts? After all there are so many iterations of macaroni and cheese creamy stovetop one pan skillet even vegan. So what is it about the baked version that makes it so special?

The Ultimate Creaminess

When we bake macaroni and cheese the heat causes the cheese sauce to thicken and fusion with the pasta. The result? Super creamy but not just a puddle of runny cheese sauce over noodles instead the sauce pasta and cheese fully integrated into a thick luscious whole. And that creaminess is emphasized by the bubbling cheese melted on top forming a golden crisp crust that adds interesting texture to every bite.

A Crispy, Cheesy Crust

And speaking of that crispy top layer that’s one of the things that makes baked macaroni and cheese different from other versions. The top of the casserole develops a lovely golden brown cheesy crust that complements the rich creamy interior. When you dig your spoon or fork into this dish you get the best of both worlds a soft creamy inside with a crunchy cheesy top.

It Feeds a Crowd

Baked mac and cheese is yet another dish that’s great for family gatherings holidays and dinner parties. Whether the gathering is Thanksgiving a casual Sunday dinner or simply a hoot with the bros baked mac and cheese is a crowd pleaser. It’s simple to make in large quantities and everyone loves it from kids to adults.

The Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Now that we’ve established the history and knowledge of why baked macaroni and cheese is a quintessential comfort food the very heart of how to cook the very best old fashioned version. Don’t fret we’ll make this easy and approachable while still devising a dish that’s rich cozy and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni (or other pasta of choice)
• 4 cups whole milk (for creamier consistency)
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (if you want it extra creamy)
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a combination of your favorite cheeses, such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack)
• Optionally add 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (for an extra flavor kick)
• Mustard powder (1 tsp) for extra tang
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (to sprinkle on top)
• 2 tbsp butter (for topping melted)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a big pot of salted water. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente according to the package directions. When cooked through drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan melting butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour all over it and keep whisking for 1-2 minutes forming a roux (this step thickens the sauce). Add the milk and heavy cream gradually stirring constantly until the mixture has thickened. Add the mustard powder garlic powder salt and pepper. After the sauce thickens add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese slowly and mix until completely melted and smooth.
3. Mix Macaroni With Cheese Sauce: Pour the macaroni into the cheese sauce and mix to coat every piece of pasta with the cheesy goodness.
4. Baking Dish and Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter or spray a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add the cheesy pasta mixture into the dish spreading it evenly.
5. Make the Topping: In a small bowl mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter. This mixture should then be sprinkled evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
6. Baking: Add to an oven preheated to 375°F and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy on top. If you desire an extra crispy top broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes just watch it so that it doesn’t burn!
7. Let Rest Before Serving: allow the baked mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s a great side to a main dish but can also be the star of the show as a cozy meal by itself.

Tips for the Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Though our recipe has been tested and tested we’ve rounded up some tips and tricks that will take your baked macaroni and cheese to the next level:

1. Use a Variety of Cheeses

Although cheddar is the quintessential cheese for macaroni and cheese a mix of cheeses can enhance the flavor. One great option is to mix sharp cheddar with creamy mozzarella tangy Gruyère or even smoked Gouda for something a bit different.

2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

It’s easy to want to cook the pasta until it’s super soft but remember that the pasta will cook more in the oven. Cook it only until it’s al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the finished dish.

3. Make It Ahead of Time

If you’re making this dish for a party or family gathering you can put it together well in advance and pop it into the fridge until it’s time to bake. When you’re ready to serve this makes the process stress free.

4. Season Generously

Without proper seasoning mac and cheese can taste bland. Feel free to taste the cheese sauce and add salt pepper and mustard powder to taste. A dash of cayenne or paprika can bring some heat as well!

Key Takeaways

• Old-fashioned baked macaroni and cheese is a timeless comforting dish that has been around for centuries.
• The creamy texture and crispy cheesy crust are what make the baked version stand out.
• Our recipe is easy to follow and can be customized with different cheeses and seasonings to suit your taste.
• Make it ahead for easy entertaining and stress free meals!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion: A Dish That’s Here to Stay

There’s a reason classic baked macaroni and cheese has always been a staple American dish it’s good and it’s comforting and it’s so so adaptable. This recipe is sure to work for you whether you want the perfect accompaniment or the centerpiece for a warm evening’s dinner. And served with the creamy cheese sauce and crispy topping it’s a dish that brings people together and helps add a little warmth to any occasion. So grab your ingredients preheat that oven and let’s get baking!