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–+ servings
Macaroni & Cheese
This handwritten macaroni and cheese recipe reflects an early home-style approach to one of America’s most enduring comfort dishes. Written in a practical, no-nonsense style, it predates boxed versions and relies instead on simple pantry ingredients and a homemade white sauce layered with cheese. Recipes like this were common in early-to-mid 20th-century kitchens, where casseroles provided an economical and satisfying way to feed families. The brief baking time suggests it was meant to be quick yet hearty, with the oven used mainly to meld flavors rather than fully cook the dish. Its charm lies in its simplicity, soft pasta, creamy sauce, and melted cheese coming together in a familiar, deeply comforting way that remains recognizable today.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups dry macaroni (broken into 1-inch pieces)
  • 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
  • 2 tbsp butter (for greasing dish)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded )
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil
  • Add macaroni and cook until tender
  • Drain well

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

  • Butter a baking dish evenly

Step 3: Make the White Sauce

  • Melt butter in a saucepan
  • Stir in flour until smooth
  • Gradually add milk, stirring constantly
  • Cook until thickened
  • Add cheese and stir until melted

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

  • Layer macaroni in the baking dish
  • Season lightly with pepper
  • Pour cheese sauce over macaroni
  • Repeat layers until dish is filled

Step 5: Bake

  • Place in a hot oven (400°F / 205°C)
  • Bake for 15 minutes until heated through

Tips

  • Use sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor
  • Add a pinch of paprika to the sauce
  • Mix in cooked onions for depth
  • Top with buttered breadcrumbs before baking
  • Blend cheeses for complexity
  • Add cooked ham or bacon for a heartier dish
  • Use whole milk for extra creaminess

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 16gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 210mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 780IUCalcium: 320mgIron: 1.8mg
Keyword baked pasta, classic casserole, comfort food, homemade sauce, vintage recipe
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