The Best Old School Mac and Cheese Recipe

TLDRLearn how to make the creamiest and most flavorful old school mac and cheese that will impress your family and friends at Thanksgiving. This recipe uses a homemade cheese sauce that is smooth and velvety, resulting in a mac and cheese that is not grainy or dry. The dish can be made ahead of time and reheated without losing its creamy texture.

Key insights

🧀The secret to a creamy mac and cheese is a homemade cheese sauce made with fresh grated cheese, not pre-packaged cheese with wax on it.

🔥This mac and cheese is the best you will ever taste, with its smooth and creamy cheese sauce that perfectly coats the macaroni.

❄️You can make this dish ahead of time by assembling it without baking. Simply refrigerate it and add a little milk on top before baking to prevent it from drying out.

💡To avoid grainy mac and cheese, make sure to use a lot of cheese sauce to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated.

🌟This old school mac and cheese recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will impress your family and guests, making it the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast.

Q&A

Can I freeze the mac and cheese?

—Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese without baking and freeze it. When you are ready to eat, thaw it and bake as usual.

What kind of cheese should I use?

—I recommend using fresh grated cheese without wax. Pre-packaged cheese with wax on it does not melt in the same way and can affect the texture of the mac and cheese.

Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?

—Yes, you can make the cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it for the mac and cheese.

Is this mac and cheese recipe suitable for vegetarians?

—Yes, this recipe does not contain any meat products and is suitable for vegetarians.

How long should I bake the mac and cheese?

—Bake the mac and cheese at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly with a nice golden top.

Timestamped Summary

00:46The host introduces the recipe for old school mac and cheese and promises that it will be the best you've ever tasted.

02:21The host prepares the macaroni and cheese sauce separately and explains that using fresh grated cheese is important for the texture and melting point.

03:57The host combines the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring that the pasta is well-coated to prevent a grainy texture.

06:47The mac and cheese is transferred to a casserole dish and topped with additional cheese before baking in the oven.

10:33The host takes a bite of the finished mac and cheese and describes how creamy and delicious it is.

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