Back in the summer of ’92, in the heart of Georgia, our family gathered at Grandma Ellie’s quaint farmhouse for our annual reunion. Among the tales of yesteryear’s and the laughter of cousins playing under the oak tree, one aroma stood out: Grandma’s Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese. Every year, she’d prepare it with the same tender love, using a recipe passed down through generations. It wasn’t just about the creamy cheese or the perfectly cooked pasta; it was about tradition, memories, and family. To this day, every bite takes us back to that farmhouse, reminding us of warm hugs, endless stories, and the taste of home.
The Ultimate Guide to Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese
Ah, the memories of childhood; the delightful aroma of mac and cheese wafting through the kitchen, promising a plate of creamy, cheesy goodness. Every bite was comfort on a fork. Today, we’re diving deep into the perfect recipe for that classic dish—Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese.
Shopping List:
To create this scrumptious Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese, here’s what you need to grab from your local grocery store:
Pasta Aisle:
- 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
Dairy Section:
- 4 Tbsp salted butter
- 2 (370 mL/12 oz) cans evaporated milk
- 1/3 cup milk of choice (whole milk, almond, oat, etc.)
- 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Eggs & Refrigerated Section:
- 2 large eggs
Spices & Seasonings:
- 1/4 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp paprika
Assembly:
- Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, usually around 8 minutes. Drain the pasta well.
- In another pot, melt the butter and stir in both the evaporated milk and your choice of milk. Add the garlic salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and slowly incorporate some of the hot milk mixture to temper the eggs. Then, combine the egg mixture with the milk in the pot.
- With the heat on low, add the majority of your cheeses, stirring until melted and combined with the pasta.
Recipe Quick Facts:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8 hearty portions
Ingredients:
- 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 4 Tbsp salted butter
- 2 (370 mL/12 oz) cans evaporated milk
- 1/3 cup milk of choice
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 tsp garlic salt
- 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Cooking Instructions:
- Pasta Perfection: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. This usually takes about 8 minutes. Drain well.
- Creamy Foundation: In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the evaporated milk, your milk of choice, and the garlic salt. Keep stirring until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Egg-cellent Addition: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the two large eggs. Now, this is crucial for a creamy texture: Gradually whisk about a quarter of the hot milk mixture into the eggs, then whisk the egg mixture back into the pot with the hot milk. This tempers the eggs and prevents them from scrambling.
- Cheese Galore: Reduce heat to low and continue to cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Mix ’em up: Add the drained macaroni to the pot and stir to coat. Add 3 cups of cheddar cheese and the 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the macaroni is evenly coated.
- Serve in Style: Pour the macaroni and cheese into a serving dish. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and paprika for that hint of smokiness and color.
Chef’s Tip:
For an extra crispy topping, you can transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
The Secrets Behind Perfect Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese:
- Quality Ingredients: The creamier the cheese and the richer the milk, the better the final dish. Always opt for the best quality you can afford.
- Perfect Pasta: Don’t overcook your macaroni. Remember, it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot cheese sauce.
- Continuous Stirring: To avoid lumps and ensure a silky-smooth sauce, keep that spoon moving, especially when adding the cheeses.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Greens: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Meaty Twist: Add crispy bacon bits or grilled chicken strips for an added layer of flavor and texture.
- Spice It Up: A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes can give a nice kick to your mac and cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use other types of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match according to your preferences, but ensure they melt well.
- Can this be made ahead? Yes, just reheat in the oven at 350°F until bubbly.
- Is there a dairy-free alternative? You can use almond or soy milk, and there are several dairy-free cheeses available on the market today.
The beauty of this Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese is its versatility. You can add veggies, meats, or any of your favorite ingredients to make it your own. However you choose to enjoy it, this dish promises to be a hit every single time.
And there you have it! The ultimate recipe for a nostalgic, creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible mac and cheese. Remember, good food is all about the love you pour into it. So, enjoy the process and dig in!
