Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese
Ingredients :
3 cups dry elbow macaroni
4 Tbsp salted butter
2 (370 mL/12 oz) cans evaporated milk
1/3 cup milk of choice
2 large eggs
1/4 tsp garlic salt
4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 tsp paprika
Directions :
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and macaroni, and cook until al dente.
Drain and return to the pot.
Add in the butter and stir until the butter is melted. Set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together the evaporated milk, milk, eggs and garlic salt until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, mix together the cheeses.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Layer 1/3 of the macaroni, then 1/3 of the cheese.
Repeat with the remaining macaroni and cheese mixture.
Pour the milk mixture over top. Sprinkle the paprika evenly on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
Making a classic and delicious Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese can be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best results:
- Use Quality Cheese:
- Opt for high-quality cheddar and mozzarella cheese. You can even mix different types of cheese for a more complex flavor.
- Grate Your Own Cheese:
- Grate the cheese yourself rather than buying pre-shredded cheese. It melts more smoothly without any added anti-caking agents.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta:
- Cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when baked in the oven.
- Add Butter for Creaminess:
- Stirring butter into the drained pasta adds richness and enhances the creaminess of the dish.
- Evaporated Milk for Creamy Texture:
- Using evaporated milk contributes to a creamier texture without making the dish overly heavy.
- Room Temperature Eggs:
- Allow the eggs to come to room temperature before incorporating them into the milk mixture. This helps in achieving a smoother consistency.
- Layering for Even Distribution:
- Layer the macaroni and cheese evenly to ensure every bite has a perfect combination of pasta and cheesy goodness.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking to ensure even cooking and a golden, bubbly top.
- Add a Touch of Garlic Salt:
- The addition of garlic salt provides a subtle savory flavor that complements the richness of the cheese.
- Customize with Toppings:
- Experiment with toppings like breadcrumbs, crispy bacon bits, or fresh herbs for added texture and flavor.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time:
- Watch the mac and cheese closely while baking to prevent it from drying out. Once the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly, it’s ready.
- Let it Rest Before Serving:
- Allow the baked mac and cheese to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to settle, and it will be easier to scoop out servings.
Remember, making mac and cheese is as much about personal preference as it is about following a recipe. Feel free to adjust ingredients and quantities to suit your taste
