Grandma's Mac And Cheese Recipe (2024)

Grandma’s Mac And Cheese recipe! The old-fashioned Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Grandma made old school as only Grandma did! She passed on her method of making Mac N Cheese growing up and continues now. It wasn’t until much later in life when I was exploring cooking books and cooking shows that I actually realized that many people make macaroni and cheese with a cheese sauce.

Grandma's Mac And Cheese Recipe (1)

However that is precisely what I like about this homemade mac and cheese recipe is that Grandma’s Mac and Cheese does not use a cheese sauce. Love it! This recipe is easy, quick and flexible baked Macaroni and Cheese dish.

How To Make Grandma’s Mac And Cheese Recipe

Ingredients

You know how family recipes are with the measurements. A little sketchy depending upon who you learn the recipe from. It always seems to center around “Oh just eyeball it. You will know.”

But it is true. Make the recipe a few times and you will know! And this recipe is so flexible it will work the first time too!

Prep time: 20 minutes ~ Serves four

Cooking time: 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees

2 QT glass baking dish

Elbow macaroni (adjust to your desired serving size). For a 2 quart dish use 8 ounces.

8 ounces block cheese of your choice. I use sharp cheddar.

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

One cup milk of your choice.

Breadcrumbs optional. Plain or seasoned, your choice.

Salt and pepper to taste.

Directions

  1. Boil the macaroni to your desired firmness.
  2. While boiling macaroni cut the block cheese into 1/2 inch cubes.
  3. Cut the butter into dab size pieces.
  4. Drain macaroni.
  5. Begin layering dish.

Kitchen Tip: Layering is the key to this dish for even cheese throughout.

Order Of Layers

Layer of macaroni.

Layerthe cheese squares and butter dots on top of the macaroni.

Grandma's Mac And Cheese Recipe (2)

Approximately 3/4 of the macaroni should be covered.

Repeattwo more times.

Pour milk into baking dish but not the entire cup at once.

Grandma's Mac And Cheese Recipe (3)

The milk should cover 3/4 of the mixture. Add the milk and look at the baking dish from the side to decide when to stop.

Breadcrumbs are optional. If desired sprinkle breadcrumbs on top or make a mixture of breadcrumbs and butter and spread on top.

Grandma's Mac And Cheese Recipe (4)

Kellogg’s Corn Flake Crumbs also work wonderfully.

Bake at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes.

Grandma's Mac And Cheese Recipe (5)

Is a safe bettheMac n Cheese recipe will need to bake at least 30 minutes. Usually 35 -40 minutes if the temperature of your stove is accurate.

At 30 minutes check.

You will know thedish is cooked fully when the milk is congealed. If you put a spoon into the mixture and see that the milk is still liquid,thedish is not fully cooked.You can also look into the side of the baking dish to eyeball if the milk is still liquid.

What I like about this dish are the simple easy ingredients which are usually on hand. You can choose the cheese and milk of your choice. Season the breadcrumbs or leave out the breadcrumbs.

Tonight when I decided to add the remnants of a bag of cheddar cheese shreds I had o hand to the block cheese squares.

This is a foolproof baked macaroni and cheese recipe as it always tastes good whichever combo of cheese and milk you use. It is also a perfect recipe for beginner cooks of any age to have in their repertoire.

Grandma's Mac And Cheese Recipe (6)

Grandma's Mac And Cheese Recipe (7)

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Grandma's Mac And Cheese Recipe

Grandma's Mac And Cheese recipe! The old-fashioned Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Grandma made old school as only Grandma did! She passed on her method of making Mac N Cheese growing up and continues now.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword Grandma's Mac And Cheese Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Author The Savvy Age

Ingredients

  • Elbow macaroni adjust to your desired serving size. For a 2 quart dish use 8 ounces.
  • 8 ounces block cheese of your choice. I use sharp cheddar.
  • 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
  • One cup milk of your choice.
  • Breadcrumbs optional. Plain or seasoned your choice.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

  • Boil the macaroni to your desired firmness.

  • While boiling macaroni cut the block cheese into 1/2 inch cubes.

  • Cut the butter into dab size pieces.

  • Drain macaroni.

  • Begin layering dish.

  • Kitchen Tip: Layering is the key to this dish for even cheese throughout.

  • Order Of Layers

  • Layer of macaroni.

  • Layerthe cheese squares and butter dots on top of the macaroni.

  • Approximately 3/4 of the macaroni should be covered.

  • Repeattwo more times.

  • Pour milk into baking dish but not the entire cup at once.

  • The milk should cover 3/4 of the mixture. Add the milk and look at the baking dish from the side to decide when to stop.

  • Breadcrumbs are optional. If desired sprinkle breadcrumbs on top or make a mixture of breadcrumbs and butter and spread on top.

  • Kellogg's Corn Flake Crumbs also work wonderfully.

  • Bake at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes.

  • Is a safe bettheMac n Cheese recipe will need to bake at least 30 minutes. Usually 35 -40 minutes if the temperature of your stove is accurate.

  • At 30 minutes check.

  • You will know thedish is cooked fully when the milk is congealed. If you put a spoon into the mixture and see that the milk is still liquid,thedish is not fully cooked.You can also look into the side of the baking dish to eyeball if the milk is still liquid.

Notes

What I like about this dish are the simple easy ingredients which are usually on hand. You can choose the cheese and milk of your choice. Season the breadcrumbs or leave out the breadcrumbs.

Tonight when I decided to add the remnants of a bag of cheddar cheese shreds I had o hand to the block cheese squares.

This is a foolproof baked macaroni and cheese recipe as it always tastes good whichever combo of cheese and milk you use. It is also a perfect recipe for beginner cooks of any age to have in their repertoire.

More Grandma’s Recipes

Old Fashioned Bread Pudding

Grandma’s Goulash

Grandma’s Irish Soda Bread

Grandma’s Crustades (Mini appetizers)

Grandma's Mac And Cheese Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the 3 best cheeses for mac and cheese? ›

What Is the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese? Sharp cheddar is the overwhelming popular choice, but for extra-creamy results, we think medium cheddar is even better. Other delicious options include Gruyère, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack.

What can I add to homemade mac and cheese to give it more flavor? ›

Salt: When adding salt, keep in mind that cheese has salt in it. You can also use salted butter but just add salt and taste as you go. Black Pepper: Always a must! Nutmeg: This is also optional but trust me, a dash of it goes a long way to balance the tangy cheese flavor and all the fats.

What is the most flavorful cheese for mac and cheese? ›

For a mac and cheese recipe, consider the combination of sharper cheddar cheeses and a flavorful Parmesan. This cheese adds a boost of fruity, nutty notes to your favorite macaroni recipes. Parmesan is also ideal for grating on top of mac and cheese before you bake it to add golden color.

What is in Gordon Ramsay mac and cheese? ›

Ingredients
  1. 1 lb small elbow pasta.
  2. 4 cups whole milk.
  3. 8 tablespoons unsalted butter.
  4. 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. 2 teaspoons kosher salt.
  6. ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
  7. 2 cups bacon bits.
  8. ½ cup bread crumbs, toasted.
May 4, 2023

Why is my homemade mac and cheese not creamy? ›

don't use low fat milk -- the higher the fat content the smoother your cheese will melt/incorporate. once the base is made (the flour, butter, milk "sauce" -- bechamel?) take the pot OFF the heat. The more your heat your cheese sauce, the more it will get gritty.

Why dry mustard in macaroni and cheese? ›

Adding an egg to mac and cheese makes the sauce smooth, velvety, and heavenly rich. The dried mustard powder (or a substitute for mustard powder if you're really stuck) provides the perfect tangy bite that balances all that richness, and then there's the cheese.

How can I keep my mac and cheese creamy? ›

Add more milk if you haven't already. More milk leads to less dry mac and cheese. If that doesn't work and you've already tried, use a different type of cheese. Velveeta works well.

What is the most common thing added to mac and cheese? ›

Crispy and golden breadcrumbs are the most traditional addition to mac and cheese. The interplay of texture between soft pasta and rich, buttery breadcrumbs is the reason why this combination has endured the test of time.

How do I make my mac and cheese better? ›

8 Ways to Elevate Your Macaroni and Cheese Dinners
  1. Add extra cheese to your dish.
  2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n' cheese.
  3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
  4. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
  5. Add spices and fresh herbs to your dish.
May 21, 2022

What makes mac and cheese taste so good? ›

Great mac n' cheese needs one or more cheeses that melt well, and one or more cheeses that bring the flavor. The best melters include monterey jack, fontina, baby swiss, asiago, provolone, mozzarella, and alpine-style.

Why does my homemade mac and cheese taste bland? ›

If your mac and cheese tastes bland, it's either because it's under-seasoned, you didn't use flavorful cheese, or you didn't use enough cheese. Try adding a little more salt first, because that might fix it.

What are the top 3 cheeses? ›

  • Brie.
  • Camembert.
  • Cheddar.
  • Gouda.

How does Gordon Ramsay make the best mac and cheese? ›

Preparation
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine the pasta and milk. ...
  2. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and add the butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. ...
  3. Divide between serving bowls and top with the bread crumbs.
  4. Enjoy!
  5. All your favorite recipes, stored in one place.
May 4, 2023

What are the 3 cheeses in Kraft 3 cheese? ›

Find out why three is better than one with Kraft Three Cheese Crumbles. A delicious combination of Monterey Jack, Colby and cheddar cheeses, this blend comes crumbled to make it easy to melt. It's also great for when you want just a little more texture than shredded cheese can offer.

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