Melissa's Macaroni & Cheese

This post may contain affiliate links

Old fashioned baked macaroni and cheese is the recipe I am most known for by my family and friends. It is the number 1 most requested dish to bring to any potluck or gathering. When baked in the oven, it gets that slightly crisped top layer that elevates it from stove-top mac & cheese to a “grown-up-but-still-comforting” casserole.


MELISSA'S MACARONI & CHEESE

There’s comfort food — and then there’s this comfort food. When I think of a dish that says “home, family gathering, holiday hero,” this macaroni and cheese is it!  It’s that old-fashioned, creamy, baked macaroni and cheese recipe that your friends ask you to bring — and expect you to bring again (or will not let you come unless you do). I have been making this recipe for many years for my family. A few have even replicated it and made it their own by throwing a sprinkle of their own love into it.  



white casserole dish filled with cheese macaroni and cheese on a table


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use a different type of pasta?

You sure can! While elbow macaroni is the classic go-to, shells, cavatappi, or rotini work beautifully because they hold onto the cheese sauce even better. Just avoid very tiny pastas that can get mushy.


What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar gives the richest flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Cheddar + Monterey Jack, cheddar + Colby, or even a little smoked cheddar add amazing depth.


Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This recipe doubles perfectly. Use a 9×13 baking dish and add a few extra minutes of bake time. 


Can I make this macaroni and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add a splash of milk if it looks a little dry before placing in the oven. 


Can I make this recipe without baking it?

You sure can! If you prefer stovetop mac and cheese, simply skip the baking step and serve it straight from the pot—still creamy and delicious.


Melissa's Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Served Up With Love


INGREDIENTS NEEDED (FULL RECIPE IN RECIPE CARD BELOW)

1 cup elbow macaroni 

1 tablespoon butter or margarine 

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 

1¼ cups milk 

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping) 


Melissa's Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Served Up With Love
HOW TO MAKE MELISSA'S MACARONI AND CHEESE 



Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Melt the butter, stir in flour to form a roux, then gradually add milk while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (be careful not to let it scald or burn). Stir in the cheese until melted and smooth.


Melissa's Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Served Up With Love
Butter or oil a 1-quart casserole dish, mix the cooked noodles with the cheese sauce, pour into the dish, add extra cheese on top. Bake at 350 °F for ~20 minutes. Serve warm and watch it disappear. 
Melissa's Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Served Up With Love
CRAVING MORE RECIPES?

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Extra Cheesy Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole 

Hashbrown Casserole 




Yield: 4 - 6

Melissa's Macaroni and Cheese

A family favorite, old fashioned cheesy baked macaroni and cheese recipe.
prep time: 10 minscook time: 20 minstotal time: 30 mins

ingredients

1 cup elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon margarine or butter
I tablespoon all purpose flour
1 1/4 cups milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, extra for topping

instructions

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Melt butter and stir in flour to make a roux.  Stir in milk, stir constantly until the mixture thickens. Careful not to let it scald or burn. Continue stirring and add cheese and let it melt.  Butter or oil a 1 quart casserole dish and mix noodles with cheese sauce.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.  Enjoy!

NOTES:

This recipe is to make in a 1 quart casserole dish.  If making for a larger crowd, double or triple the recipe and cook in a 9 x 13 casserole dish.




Linked up at:
Gooseberry Patch Recipe Round Up
Weekend Potluck 
Melt in your Mouth Monday @ Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms
Meal Plan Monday

10 comments

  1. Served up with LoveMonday, March 14, 2011

    Thanks for visiting!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AshleyWednesday, March 16, 2011

    I love your Macaroni and Cheese. That is what I look forward to eating at family get togethers.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Gooseberry PatchWednesday, June 15, 2011

    Simple and oh-so good...thanks for sharing today! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kim (Sunflower Supper Club)Saturday, May 19, 2012

    Another delicious looking recipe! My kids love this mac and cheese. Thanks for sharing at the Weekend Potluck!
    ~Kim

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Served up with LoveSaturday, May 19, 2012

      Thanks Kim, this is a staple at any family gathering! My family loves it too!

      Delete
  5. JennSaturday, May 19, 2012

    I love homemade mac & cheese!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Stacy F.Wednesday, August 22, 2012

    This looks so yummy!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lisa BoyleMonday, November 05, 2012

    Coming over to visit from Melt in your Mouth Monday. This looks SO good! My kids love mac and cheese. Please consider coming on over and linking up with "Try a New Recipe Tuesday." I'd love to have you join us. Many blessings, Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousWednesday, November 22, 2017

    Have been making it this way for 50 years, you're so right, can't come if I don't bring it. Funny, cause I make other good stuff. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. JuliaFriday, October 19, 2018

    I LOVE baked mac and cheese. I just love cheese but adding pasta makes it even better and this looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete

I love hearing from you. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving me a comment!

Follow Me On Instagram