Classic baked mac and cheese that’s rich, creamy, and full of comforting cheesy flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or as a cozy weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love It
- Simple pantry ingredients.
- Family favorite for years.
- Easy to make ahead.
What You Need
- 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 cans evaporated milk (12 oz each (370 mL))
- 1/3 cup milk of choice
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 4 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
How to Make Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 3 cups of dry elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Stir in 4 tablespoons of salted butter until melted and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cans of evaporated milk, 1/3 cup of milk, 2 large eggs, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic salt until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Layer 1/3 of the buttered macaroni in the dish and sprinkle with 1/3 of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with cheese on top.
- Evenly pour the milk and egg mixture over the layered macaroni and cheese. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of paprika over the top.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly and the center reaches 165°F on a food thermometer.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- Read the whole recipe once before you start.
- Let it rest a few minutes before serving so it sets.
- Leftovers reheat well the next day.
Serving and Storing
Keep leftovers covered in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, assemble earlier in the day and cook when ready.
Can I freeze it?
Most of it freezes well for up to 2 months.

Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese
Classic baked mac and cheese that's rich, creamy, and full of comforting cheesy flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or as a cozy weeknight meal.
Want This Recipe Later?
Ingredients
- 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 cans evaporated milk (12 oz each (370 mL))
- 1/3 cup milk of choice
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 4 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 3 cups of dry elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Stir in 4 tablespoons of salted butter until melted and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cans of evaporated milk, 1/3 cup of milk, 2 large eggs, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic salt until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Layer 1/3 of the buttered macaroni in the dish and sprinkle with 1/3 of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with cheese on top.
- Evenly pour the milk and egg mixture over the layered macaroni and cheese. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of paprika over the top.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly and the center reaches 165°F on a food thermometer.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Made this recipe? Tap a star to rate it.

