Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni & Cheese
This classic Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni & Cheese is made in just 30 minutes with a creamy pepper jack cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping. It is oh so comforting and delicious!
Servings:6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces macaroni pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups half & half , or milk
- 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk, or heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning blend
- salt and pepper to taste, (I used about ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups white cheddar cheese or yellow cheddar cheese, divided
Toppings
- ⅔ cup panko style breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees and lightly grease a large casserole or baking dish. Next, Cook macaroni pasta according to package's instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan or skillet melt the 3 tablespoons butter. Stir in flour. Slowly and gradually whisk in milk until a sauce forms. Stir corn starch into evaporated milk until dissolved, then add to pan and whisk to combine.
- Add dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, cream cheese, and 1 1/2 cups pepperjack cheese and stir until cheeses are melted and combined with the sauce.
- Stir noodles into the sauce. Transfer to prepared casserole/baking dish. Sprinkle remaining pepperjack cheese over the top.
- Next make the topping. In a pan on the stove, melt butter. Add breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning and stir over medium-high heat until breadcrumbs begin to brown. Sprinkle over pasta.
- Bake, uncovered, for about 10-15 minutes. Allow to cool slightly and serve.
Notes
For a bit of a kick: add in 1/2 cup jalapeño slices into the Mac and Cheese mixture before baking.
The cheese: Be sure to use freshly grated cheese and not pre-shredded cheese for a super creamy and smooth textured cheese sauce.
- Use a combination of both white and yellow cheddar or substitute pepper jack cheese sauce for a spicy kick (it's so good and not too spicy!).
Nutrition
Calories: 545 kcal, Carbohydrates: 62 g, Protein: 23 g, Fat: 23 g, Saturated Fat: 13 g, Cholesterol: 64 mg, Sodium: 421 mg, Potassium: 341 mg, Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 8 g, Vitamin A: 700 IU, Vitamin C: 1 mg, Calcium: 445 mg, Iron: 2 mg