Best 2 Best Ever Mac And Cheese Recipes

**Mac and cheese**, a delectable dish loved by people of all ages, is a classic comfort food that embodies the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and hearty pasta. Originating in the United States, this iconic dish has become a staple in homes and restaurants worldwide. Its versatility allows for endless variations, each offering a unique flavor profile. From the classic stovetop method to the convenience of a slow cooker or the indulgence of a baked version, mac and cheese recipes cater to every taste and occasion.

This article presents a collection of the best mac and cheese recipes, carefully curated to satisfy every craving. Whether you prefer a traditional recipe that stays true to the classic flavors or an innovative take that incorporates unique ingredients and cooking techniques, you'll find a recipe here that will tantalize your taste buds. From the creamy indulgence of a béchamel-based sauce to the tangy kick of a cheddar cheese blend, these recipes explore the diverse world of mac and cheese, ensuring that every bite is a delightful experience. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the beloved comfort food in all its cheesy, gooey glory.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BEST EVER MAC AND CHEESE

BEST EVER Mac and Cheese image

Creamy comfort food!

Provided by FrackFamily5 CA->CT

Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
1 (16 ounce) package cottage cheese
1 cup sour cream
½ cup butter
1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (10 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes with juice
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until macaroni is cooked through but still slightly firm, about 8 minutes. Drain well.
Combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, butter, and cooked macaroni in a large baking dish. Stir in the Cheddar cheese. Arrange the tomatoes on top, then pour the tomato liquid over the casserole. Season with salt and black pepper.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then mix the macaroni and cheese thoroughly. Continue to bake until lightly browned and bubbly, about 15 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 730 calories, Carbohydrate 61.7 g, Cholesterol 107.9 mg, Fat 40.3 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 30.1 g, SaturatedFat 24.9 g, Sodium 734.7 mg, Sugar 3.6 g

BEST MAC AND CHEESE EVER!!

Best Mac and Cheese Ever!! image

This recipe makes the most wonderful creamy rich mac and cheese I've ever had. it is easy to make, looks and tastes wonderful and everyone loves it

Provided by lizzypoo222

Categories One Dish Meal

Time 55m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 lb uncooked noodles (I like the shells but anything kind will work)
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional)
4 cups whole milk or 4 cups half-and-half
1 lb shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons of melted butter

Steps:

Heat oven to 350º F.
Cook noodles as directed on box.
While noodles are cooking, melt butter in saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pepper. Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute-mixture will thicken. Stir in cheese. Cook, stirring constantly until cheese is melted.
Drain rinsed noodles. Gently stir into cheese sauce. Pour into un-greased 4-quart casserole.
Stir together bread crumbs and butter and sprinkle over the top of the Mac and Cheese.
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bread crumbs are toasted and cheese is bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 564.5, Fat 32.1, SaturatedFat 19.3, Cholesterol 126.2, Sodium 701, Carbohydrate 46.6, Fiber 2, Sugar 6.8, Protein 22.4

Tips:

To make the creamiest mac and cheese, use a combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese. Cheddar provides a sharp, tangy flavor, while Gruyère melts smoothly and adds a nutty richness.
For a flavorful roux, use a combination of butter and flour. The butter adds a rich flavor to the roux, while the flour helps to thicken it.
Don't overcook the pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and lose its texture.
Add the cheese sauce to the drained pasta and stir until the pasta is evenly coated. Don't boil the pasta in the cheese sauce, as this will cause the cheese to separate.
Top the mac and cheese with a breadcrumb topping for a golden brown crust. You can also add other toppings, such as cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, or crumbled sausage.

Conclusion:

This best-ever mac and cheese recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. It is easy to make, flavorful, and comforting. With a few simple tips, you can make the creamiest, most delicious mac and cheese you've ever tasted.