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wooden spoon lifting a serving of mac and cheese out of a casserole dish.
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5 from 3 votes

Homestyle Mac and Cheese

Homestyle Mac and Cheese is the creamiest, cheesiest, and most delicious macaroni and cheese recipe you can make. It's loaded with three cheeses, then topped with crunchy Panko bread crumbs to create the best southern mac and cheese ever!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Sides
Cuisine: Southern
Servings: 12
Calories: 458kcal
Author: Debi Morgan | Quiche My Grits

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 16 oz. elbow macaroni (I use Mueller's brand)
  • 2 Tbsp. butter
  • 8 oz. cream cheese
  • 8 oz. sharp cheddar, shredded (reserve half for topping)
  • 8 oz. gouda cheese, shredded
  • 12 oz. can evaporated milk
  • ½ cup half and half cream
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. garlic salt
  • ½ tsp. ground mustard
  • ¼ tsp. pepper
  • 2 cups Panko bread crumbs
  • ½ stick butter (melted)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Boil macaroni in a saucepan on the stovetop in salted water for 5 minutes, drain.
  • While pasta is boiling, shred cheddar cheese by hand.
  • In a large skillet, melt cream cheese and butter over medium heat and stir in drained pasta. Stir constantly until cheese melts.
  • Add half of the shredded cheddar and all of the gouda to the skillet. Continue to stir while cheese melts.
  • Pour in evaporated milk and half and half. Stir well until cheese thickens.
  • Add salt, garlic salt, ground mustard and pepper. Mix until blended.
  • Spoon contents of skillet into a 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Top with reserved shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Mix bread crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over macaroni and cheese.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  • Serve immediately for best results. If it sits out for a while, the pasta absorbs the cheese and loses its creaminess.

Notes

  • Mac and Cheese can be frozen before baking. To heat, bake in a 350 degree oven for at least one hour for best results.
  • This recipe can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir in a little milk before baking at 350 degrees until bubbly. Add the bread crumbs just before baking. 

Nutrition

Calories: 458kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Sodium: 620mg | Potassium: 274mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 400mg | Iron: 1mg