Discover the best old-fashioned baked macaroni and cheese USA recipe! Rich, creamy, and golden-topped — the ultimate comfort food made from scratch
What’s the most money you’ve ever spent on a meal? Was it worth it?
Click Here
🍽️ Amazing Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese USA Recipe
When you think of true comfort food, one classic dish always comes to mind — baked macaroni and cheese. Rich, creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden crust, this old-fashioned American favorite has stood the test of time. Today, we’re diving into the ultimate USA-style baked mac and cheese recipe that feels like home in every bite.
Whether it’s a Sunday dinner, a holiday feast, or just a cozy night in, this recipe will warm your soul. Let’s get cooking!
🧀 Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Mac & Cheese

- Classic flavor – No fancy twists, just good old Americana.
- Super creamy – Thanks to a buttery roux and real cheese.
- Golden baked top – The oven creates a crisp, bubbly finish.
- Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or leftovers (if there are any!).
📝 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mild cheddar or Colby Jack, shredded
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional but traditional)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (for topping)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
🍲 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente (about 6 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook until slightly thickened.
3. Add the Cheese
Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheeses. Mix until completely melted. Add salt, pepper, and mustard powder to taste.
4. Combine Pasta & Sauce
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
5. Assemble and Bake
Pour everything into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and paprika (if using). Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
💡 Tips for the Best Mac & Cheese

- Use block cheese and shred it yourself – it melts better!
- Add a bit of cream cheese or evaporated milk for extra richness.
- Want a smoky kick? Mix in smoked gouda or a dash of cayenne pepper.
🇺🇸 A Bit of Mac & Cheese History
Did you know that macaroni and cheese has been a part of American cooking since the 18th century? It became widely popular in the USA thanks to Thomas Jefferson, who brought the idea back from Europe. Over time, it became a household staple — from humble kitchens to fancy holiday spreads.
🧡 Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the simplicity of old-fashioned baked macaroni and cheese. It’s timeless, satisfying, and always made with love. Give this recipe a try and rediscover why this dish is a true American classic.
Serve it up hot, cheesy, and straight from the oven – just like grandma used to make!
🍴 Have you tried this recipe? Leave a comment and let us know how it turned out – or share your favorite twist!
🧀 Amazing Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese USA Recipe

If there’s one dish that’s synonymous with comfort, warmth, and home-cooked goodness, it’s got to be old-fashioned baked macaroni and cheese. Creamy, cheesy, golden-topped perfection baked right into every bite — this American classic is more than just a side dish. It’s a nostalgic experience.
Passed down through generations and gracing tables at Sunday dinners, BBQs, and holiday gatherings, this version stays true to its roots. No shortcuts, no processed cheese — just real ingredients and love baked into every bite.
🧺 From Grandma’s Kitchen to Yours

Many of us grew up watching our moms or grandmas whip up mac and cheese for family get-togethers. The bubbling casserole dish emerging from the oven, the smell of real cheese melting into pasta, and that first gooey forkful — it’s a memory you can taste.
This recipe is inspired by traditional Southern-style baked mac and cheese, but it’s a favorite all across the USA. The rich cheddar base, the buttery béchamel, and that crispy breadcrumb topping are everything you’d want in a dish that brings people together.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Here’s everything you need to recreate this old-school baked mac and cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (warm)
- 2½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella or Colby Jack, shredded
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (for color)
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs (for topping)
- Extra butter for topping (optional)
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Boil the Pasta
Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Roux
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a smooth roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes (do not brown).
4. Add the Milk
Slowly whisk in warm milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly — about 5–7 minutes.
5. Cheese, Please!
Turn the heat to low and stir in all the shredded cheeses (reserve a bit for topping). Mix until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, mustard powder, and garlic powder.
6. Combine with Pasta
Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until all the noodles are well-coated.
7. Assemble
Pour the mixture into your prepared dish. Top with remaining cheese, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, paprika, and small dabs of butter for extra crispiness.
8. Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
🧩 Variations & Add-Ins
Want to make this classic your own? Here are some fun and flavorful twists:
- 🥓 Add Bacon – Stir in crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
- 🌶️ Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- 🧄 Garlic Lovers – Mix in roasted garlic or garlic butter.
- 🥦 Veggie Boost – Fold in cooked broccoli or spinach for a healthier touch.
- 🥩 Meaty Upgrade – Try cooked ground beef or shredded BBQ chicken.
🍷 What to Serve With Baked Mac & Cheese

This dish shines solo, but here are some all-American favorites to pair it with:
- Southern fried chicken
- BBQ ribs or pulled pork
- Grilled sausages or hot dogs
- Fresh green beans or collard greens
- Sweet cornbread or buttermilk biscuits
- Apple pie or peach cobbler for dessert
❤️ Why This Recipe Works
✔️ Simple pantry ingredients
✔️ 100% real cheese
✔️ Rich, creamy, and comforting
✔️ Perfect balance of crusty top and gooey center
✔️ Nostalgic taste that brings people together
📸 Share Your Mac & Cheese Moments!
Did you try this recipe? Post a pic and tag it with #OldFashionedMacCheeseUSA — we’d love to see your cheesy creations!
✨ Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this baked macaroni and cheese recipe has been a staple in American homes for decades. It’s more than a meal — it’s a memory. Whether you’re feeding your family, entertaining guests, or just cooking for yourself, this dish will never let you down.
Old-fashioned never goes out of style. Especially when it’s covered in cheese. 🧀🇺🇸
🥣 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.)
Serving Size: 1 cup (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Calcium: 20% DV
- Iron: 8% DV
🧠 Note: These values are estimates and can vary depending on your ingredients and portion size.
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Got leftovers or want to prep ahead? No problem!
🕒 Make-Ahead Tips:
- Assemble the mac and cheese (without baking) up to 1 day in advance.
- Store covered in the fridge.
- When ready to bake, bring to room temp and bake as usual.
❄️ Freezing Instructions:
- Let cool completely.
- Wrap tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until hot (about 25–30 minutes).
🧽 Storing Leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk to bring back creaminess.
🥰 A Personal Story
“This recipe always brings me back to Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house in Georgia. The kitchen would smell like warm butter and baked cheese. My cousins and I would race to get the crispy corner pieces of the mac and cheese — it was always the first thing to disappear. Now, I make it for my own family, and it’s become a tradition that bridges generations. Food really does bring us home.
📄 Printable Recipe Summary
Here’s a quick recipe card-style summary you can print or save:
🧀 Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Total Time: 45 min
Serves: 6–8
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2½ cups sharp cheddar, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella/Colby Jack
- Salt, pepper, mustard powder, paprika
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook macaroni; drain.
- Make roux with butter and flour.
- Slowly add milk, then cheeses. Season.
- Combine with pasta.
- Pour into dish, top with cheese/breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 375°F for 25–30 min until bubbly.
🧡 Final Serving of Love
There’s a reason this dish never goes out of style. Baked mac and cheese is more than just a recipe — it’s a piece of American food history, wrapped in melted cheese and childhood memories. Whether you’re serving it up for Thanksgiving, a weeknight meal, or just because, this recipe will deliver that cozy, made-with-love feeling every single time.
Go ahead — bake, share, and fall in love all over again. 🧀
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta and flour?
A: Yes! Just substitute with gluten-free elbow pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It still bakes beautifully.
Q: What kind of cheese is best?
A: Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can mix it with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for a gourmet twist.
Q: Can I skip the baking and just serve it creamy?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer stovetop mac and cheese, just skip the baking step and serve directly after mixing the pasta and sauce.
Q: How do I prevent grainy cheese sauce?
A: Always add cheese off the heat and use freshly grated cheese (not pre-shredded). Stir gently until melted.
Link In Instagram: Click Here
Link In Twitter: Click Here
Link In Wabsite: Click Here