"Indulge in creamy macaroni cheese with a twist! This old-fashioned JDS pasta recipe combines rich cheddar, tender macaroni, and a golden crust. Perfect comfort food!"
Here’s a list of ingredients for an **old-fashioned macaroni and cheese** recipe, optimized with SEO-friendly formatting and keywords:
- **Elbow macaroni** (or your preferred pasta shape)
- **Sharp cheddar cheese** (freshly grated for the best melt)
- **Milk** (whole milk for creaminess)
- **Butter** (unsalted for better control of flavor)
- **All-purpose flour** (for the roux)
- **Salt** (to enhance flavor)
- **Black pepper** (freshly ground for seasoning)
- **Dry mustard powder** (optional, for a tangy kick)
- **Paprika** (optional, for a smoky flavor and garnish)
- **Breadcrumbs** (optional, for a crispy topping)
- **Egg** (optional, for a custard-style baked mac and cheese)
This **classic macaroni and cheese recipe** is perfect for comfort food lovers and can be customized with additional ingredients like **bacon**, **garlic**, or **hot sauce** for extra flavor. Use **homemade mac and cheese** keywords to attract food enthusiasts searching for easy, creamy, and cheesy pasta dishes.
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Steps
# How to Make Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese with JDS Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Craving a comforting, creamy, and cheesy macaroni and cheese dish? This old-fashioned recipe using JDS pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Follow these detailed steps to create a classic mac and cheese that’s rich, flavorful, and sure to impress.
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### **Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese**
- 2 cups JDS elbow macaroni (or any pasta of your choice)
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (optional, for a tangy kick)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)
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### **Step-by-Step Instructions**
#### **Step 1: Cook the JDS Macaroni**
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add 2 cups of JDS elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes).
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Avoid rinsing, as the starch helps the cheese sauce cling to the pasta.
#### **Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce**
1. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will thicken the sauce.
3. Gradually pour in 2 cups of whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Cook the mixture until it thickens and begins to bubble (about 3-5 minutes).
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Season the sauce with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (if using).
#### **Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce**
1. Add the cooked JDS macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
2. For extra creaminess, you can add an additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and mix well.
#### **Step 4: Bake the Macaroni and Cheese (Optional)**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
3. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
4. For a crispy topping, add 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
#### **Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
1. Let the macaroni and cheese cool for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.
3. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, cheesy, old-fashioned comfort food!
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### **Tips for the Best Macaroni and Cheese**
- Use high-quality cheese like sharp cheddar for a richer flavor.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Gouda for unique flavor profiles.
- If you prefer a stovetop version, skip the baking step and serve the mac and cheese directly after combining the pasta and sauce.
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This old-fashioned macaroni and cheese recipe with JDS pasta is a timeless classic that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to satisfy your cheesy cravings. Try it today and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!
**Keywords**: old-fashioned macaroni and cheese, JDS pasta recipe, creamy mac and cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, comfort food recipes, cheesy pasta dish.