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Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

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4 from 25 reviews

This Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese is a rich, creamy, and cheesy comfort food classic. Cooked al dente pasta is combined with a luxurious cream sauce infused with three cheeses—parmesan, gruyere, and white cheddar—then broiled to perfection to form a golden, bubbly crust. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, this recipe yields a nostalgic, flavorful dish that warms the soul.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 6 ounces dry elbow macaroni (2 cups)
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)

Cheese

  • 2 ounces parmesan cheese (1/2 cup grated)
  • 2 ounces gruyere cheese (1/2 cup grated)
  • 6 ounces white cheddar (1 1/2 cups grated)

Other

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for cream sauce)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: In a medium pot, bring 2 quarts of water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and let cool to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the cheese: In a bowl, combine the parmesan, gruyere, and white cheddar cheeses. Reserve about 60% of the cheese mixture for topping later; set aside the remaining 40% to incorporate into the sauce.
  3. Make the cream sauce with pasta: In a large saucepan, bring 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes until the foam subsides and the cream slightly thickens. Add the cooked pasta and stir occasionally for about 2 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
  4. Incorporate cheese into sauce: Gradually add the reserved 40% cheese mixture in small handfuls, stirring well and waiting for each addition to fully melt and combine with the sauce before adding more.
  5. Broil to brown: Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into a 2-quart baking dish or cast iron skillet. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 60% cheese on top. Place the dish on a baking sheet under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, rotating as needed until the cheese topping is melted and golden brown.
  6. Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the macaroni and cheese rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly and flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Using a mix of parmesan, gruyere, and white cheddar delivers a complex, rich flavor and gooey texture.
  • Cooling the pasta with vegetable oil prevents clumping before mixing with the sauce.
  • Broiling the top gives a beautiful crispy and golden crust without baking the entire dish.
  • Letting the dish rest after broiling ensures a creamier finish.
  • For extra depth, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or mustard powder to the cream sauce.
  • If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but the sauce will be less rich.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop and Broiling
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/southern-old-fashioned-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe/