GOOD OLE FASHION MAC AND CHEESE

1. Cook the Macaroni:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions.
• Drain the macaroni and return it to the pot. Add the butter and stir until melted. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Milk Mixture:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, regular milk, eggs, and garlic salt until fully combined.

3. Mix the Cheeses:

• In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.

4. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.

5. Assemble the Mac and Cheese:

• Spread 1/3 of the macaroni evenly in the prepared baking pan.
• Sprinkle 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the macaroni.
• Repeat the layering process with the remaining macaroni and cheese, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
• Pour the milk mixture evenly over the layered macaroni and cheese.
• Sprinkle the paprika evenly over the top.

6. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbly.

7. Serve:

• Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to cut and serve.

Tips and Variations:

1. Cheese Variations:

• Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even a bit of Parmesan can add unique flavors.

2. Add-ins:

• For extra flavor and texture, consider adding cooked bacon, ham, or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to the layers.

3. Topping:

• For a crunchy topping, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle over the top before baking.

4. Make-Ahead:

• This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. If baking from chilled, you may need to add an additional 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

5. Gluten-Free Option:

• Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and a gluten-free flour blend if needed.

Conclusion:

Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender pasta with a rich, creamy cheese sauce that’s baked to perfection. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weekdays, family gatherings, or potluck dinners. Its versatility allows you to customize the dish to your liking, ensuring that everyone at the table will enjoy this classic favorite. Serve it as a main course or a hearty side dish and enjoy the warm, cheesy delight of homemade mac and cheese.