Best 13 Best Macaroni Cheese Recipes

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In the realm of comfort food, macaroni and cheese reigns supreme, its rich, creamy sauce and tender pasta providing solace to taste buds young and old. This classic dish, often associated with childhood nostalgia, takes on countless variations, each promising a unique culinary experience. Whether you prefer a simple, traditional recipe or one infused with bold flavors and innovative ingredients, our curated collection of macaroni and cheese recipes offers something for every palate. From the classic stovetop version to baked mac and cheese bursting with a golden crust, our recipes encompass a spectrum of cooking techniques, ensuring that every bite is a delectable journey. Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into the world of macaroni and cheese, exploring both beloved classics and exciting new takes on this timeless favorite.

**Recipes included:**

* **Classic Macaroni and Cheese:** A nostalgic journey into the heart of comfort food, this recipe captures the essence of traditional macaroni and cheese. Simple ingredients like elbow macaroni, butter, flour, milk, and sharp cheddar cheese come together to create a velvety sauce that coats every noodle, resulting in a dish that is both familiar and deeply satisfying.

* **Baked Macaroni and Cheese:** Elevate your mac and cheese experience with this baked version, where a golden-brown crust adds an extra layer of texture and flavor. The creamy sauce, made with a combination of cheeses, envelops the macaroni, while the breadcrumb topping provides a crispy contrast. This dish is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests.

* **One-Pot Macaroni and Cheese:** For those who appreciate convenience without compromising on taste, this one-pot macaroni and cheese is the answer. Using just one pot, you can create a creamy and cheesy sauce that coats the macaroni perfectly. The addition of vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower adds a pop of color and extra nutrients, making this dish a well-rounded meal.

* **Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese:** Harness the power of your slow cooker to create a rich and flavorful macaroni and cheese that requires minimal effort. Simply combine the ingredients, set it and forget it, and come back to a warm, gooey dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

* **Vegan Macaroni and Cheese:** For those with dietary restrictions or a preference for plant-based cuisine, this vegan macaroni and cheese offers a delightful alternative. A creamy sauce made from cashew cream or almond milk replaces the dairy, while nutritional yeast and spices provide a cheesy flavor. Enjoy a guilt-free indulgence that is just as satisfying as the classic version.

Here are our top 13 tried and tested recipes!

"WORLD'S BEST" MACARONI & CHEESE



We tasted this in Seattle at the Pike Place Market in the Beecher's store. It is the best! I had to get their recipe and I found it on the internet; It is a very rich creamy comfort food. I do not have Beecher's cheese so I improvised with what is available and it came out as tasty as the original. Serve this with a crisp salad. Enjoy!

Provided by Sageca

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h15m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

cheese sauce
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups 1% low-fat milk
14 ounces white medium cheddar, grated
2 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
1 ounce asiago cheese, grated
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4-1/2 teaspoon dried chipotle powder or 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne
pasta
12 ounces macaroni
salt for pasta water
2 ounces cheddar cheese, grated
2 ounces gruyere, grated
1/4-1/2 teaspoon dried chipotle powder or 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350; F. Set a large pot of water on high heat.
  • Meanwhile, begin the sauce by making a roux: in a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour. Continue to stir this roux over medium heat for two to three minutes.
  • The roux should be cooked and free of the flour flavor but still light in color.
  • Gradually add milk, whisking briskly to maintain a smooth sauce.
  • Cook the sauce for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching.
  • When sauce thickens, add cheeses, salt and spices to the sauce, and stir until all the cheese has melted. I make my sauces in the microwave; turns out great and never scorches.
  • Somewhere during this sauce-cooking process, your pasta water has started boiling. The original is made with Penne noodles. Add a generous amount of salt to the water and cook the pasta until almost but not quite al dente (two minutes before the package directions indicate). You want barely undercooked pasta so that it can finish in the oven later. Halt the cooking by draining the pasta and rinsing with cold water. Return pasta to pot.
  • Pour sauce over pasta and stir until completely incorporated. The combination should be fairly saucy, almost soupy.
  • Dish the mixture into a buttered 9-13 pan and sprinkle with extra grated cheeses and cayenne. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes, until you have beautiful, browned edges. Those edges will be a welcome and flavorful addition to each serving.
  • Let the dish sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. I divided this in 2 containers and froze one.

BEST BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE EVER!



Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese Ever! image

After being dissatisfied with many macaroni and cheese recipes, I experimented and came up with my own. Everyone that has tried it simply raves about it... I don't mean to toot my own horn but beep beep! (Serves 4)

Provided by AinsleyRose

Categories     Cheese

Time 35m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
1 (8 ounce) container refrigerated sharp cheese spread (if you can't find it, Cheese Whiz is an okay substitute but really go for the sharp spread)
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8-1/4 teaspoon seasoning salt (depends how salt sensitive you are)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 tablespoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 -2 dash cayenne pepper
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup Velveeta cheese (in small cubes)
2 -3 slices American cheese (reserve for topping casserole)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs or 1/4 cup cracker crumb

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Cook macaroni just until al dente and drain, set aside.
  • While pasta is boiling, melt the butter in a large saucepan.
  • Whisk in the flour over medium heat until smooth & bubbly (only about a minute).
  • Stir in evaporated milk, cheese spread, pepper, mustard, seasoned salt, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pepper Keep cooking and stirring over medium heat until sauce has thickened (about 3 or 4 minutes).
  • Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Velveeta to the white sauce and stir just until cheeses have melted.
  • Add macaroni and stir until pasta is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
  • Pour into a casserole dish sprayed with Pam.
  • Arrange cheese slices on top, sprinkle with cracker crumbs and dot somewhat generously with butter.
  • Bake 15-20 minutes or until top is nice and golden and casserole is heated through.
  • Let stand about 5 minutes before serving and enjoy!

BEST ONE POT CHEESE AND MACARONI



Best One Pot Cheese and Macaroni image

This recipe uses less milk and no thickener what-so-ever! Very cheesy, too! You can either serve it from the pot, or top with buttered crumbs and put in 350 oven to brown for half an hour, but we like ours fine without.

Provided by Jill Faucher-Ross

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

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 cups water
½ teaspoon salt
8 ounces seashell pasta
1 cup whole milk
4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Steps:

  • Pour water and salt into a medium pot and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the shell pasta, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the water has cooked down a bit, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the milk, and continue boiling for another 5 minutes. Add the Cheddar, Parmesan, pepper, and mustard; stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is thick and creamy. The starch from the pasta thickens the sauce as the pasta cooks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 518.2 calories, Carbohydrate 30.7 g, Cholesterol 92.8 mg, Fat 30.8 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 30.1 g, SaturatedFat 19.1 g, Sodium 930.4 mg, Sugar 3.5 g

THE BEST MACARONI AND CHEESE



The Best Macaroni and Cheese image

Amanda Hesser brought this recipe to The Times in a 1998 article about a return to simply-prepared, down-home foods in response to the brash, over-the-top 90's style of cooking. It's an adaptation of one found in Pam Anderson's book, "The Perfect Recipe," and it calls for stirring the mixture every five minutes while it is baking. This gives it the ideal balance of lightness and creaminess -- a detail that is missing from most macaroni and cheese recipes.

Provided by Amanda Hesser

Categories     dinner, weekday, casseroles, editors' pick, pastas, main course

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup fresh bread crumbs from French or Italian bread
2 teaspoons salt, plus a pinch
1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter, plus 4 tablespoons butter at room temperature
1/2 pound elbow macaroni
2 large eggs
12 ounces evaporated milk, heated until warm
1/4 teaspoon hot red-pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dry mustard, dissolved in 1 teaspoon water
10 to 12 ounces mild cheddar cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place a 1 1/2-quart heat-proof dish, such as a souffle pan, in oven to warm.
  • In a small baking pan, combine bread crumbs, a pinch of salt and the melted butter. Mix well and set aside.
  • In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and the macaroni. Cook until almost tender but still a little firm to the bite. Drain and transfer to preheated dish. Stir in remaining 4 tablespoons of butter.
  • In a small bowl, combine eggs, 1 cup of the evaporated milk, the pepper sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, the black pepper and the mustard mixture. Mix well. Pour egg mixture over macaroni. Add 3/4 of the cheese, and stir until thoroughly combined and cheese starts to melt.
  • Place dish of macaroni and cheese in the oven, and bake for 5 minutes. Remove dish from oven and add about half of the remaining evaporated milk, and half of the remaining cheese. Stir well, and return pan to oven. Bake 5 minutes longer, remove pan from oven, and stir thoroughly. If mixture does not look moist and creamy, add a little more of the milk and cheese. Return to oven for an additional 20 minutes, removing pan from oven halfway through to stir in remaining evaporated milk and cheese.
  • While macaroni is baking, add pan of bread crumbs to oven. Bake until bread crumbs are toasted and golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside. When macaroni has baked, sprinkle surface with toasted bread crumbs, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 824, UnsaturatedFat 14 grams, Carbohydrate 72 grams, Fat 42 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 39 grams, SaturatedFat 23 grams, Sodium 829 milligrams, Sugar 12 grams, TransFat 1 gram

THE VERY BEST MACARONI AND CHEESE



The Very Best Macaroni and Cheese image

Make and share this The Very Best Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by butterflyday

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 50m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup butter
1 1/2 lbs elbow macaroni
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups milk
1 small diced onion (1/2 cup)
4 minced garlic cloves
1 cup flour
5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6 slices American cheese, broken
2 cups grated parmesan cheese
salt & pepper
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F
  • Butter a 13x9 inch pan.
  • Cook macaroni until it is al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, combine milk and cream.
  • In a pan on medium heat, melt only 1/2 pound butter.
  • Cook onions and garlic until clear, about 6 minutes.
  • Add flour and cook/stir for 3 minutes.
  • Add cream mixture and mix until smooth.
  • Boil, stirring occasionally, about 8-10 minutes.
  • Stir in 4 cups of Cheddar cheese, American cheese, and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese.
  • Stir until melted.
  • It will be thick and creamy --
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Stir sauce in pasta.
  • Pour in a 13x9 inch pan.
  • Sprinkle with remaining Cheddar, Parmesan and bread crumbs.
  • Bake uncovered, middle shelf for 20 minutes until bubbling and browned on top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1735.5, Fat 111.5, SaturatedFat 68.9, Cholesterol 343.3, Sodium 1770.5, Carbohydrate 120.1, Fiber 4.9, Sugar 4.1, Protein 63.7

COMPANY BEST MACARONI AND CHEESE



Company Best Macaroni and Cheese image

I know, I know. Another mac and cheese recipe. But, wait. Maybe it's not as cholesterol-crazy as some; or, is that just wishful thinking on my part? I first served this about 30 years ago when Dave and I were first married. Really impressed his mom. Still makin' it today; still impressin' folks today. I like making it, and so does my arthritis. It's that easy. I prefer the medium shells. Elbow macaroni is so...well...elbow macaroni.

Provided by Suzie

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups small curd cottage cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 egg, slightly beaten
3/4 teaspoon salt
garlic powder, pepper to taste
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked and well drained
seasoned bread crumbs (optional)

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine all ingredients EXCEPT cheese and macaroni.
  • Add cheese and mix well.
  • Add macaroni; stir until coated.
  • Transfer to greased 2-1/2 quart baking dish.
  • Top with bread crumbs (optional).
  • Sprinkle with paprika (if desired).
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes OR until bubbly.

THE BEST MACARONI AND CHEESE EVER!



The Best Macaroni and Cheese Ever! image

A couple of years ago, my friends Kymberli and Courtney shared a recipe for macaroni and cheese with me. I fell in love with it; however, I made several changes to it first. This recipe is a hit with my family and friends! Every year my middle school students beg me to make it for our Thanksgiving potluck! It's that good!!!

Provided by Katrina Roubedeaux

Categories     Pasta Sides

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 lb macaroni, cooked
2 can(s) campbell's cheddar cheese soup (condensed)
1 can(s) evaporated milk (15 oz can)
1 stick butter (real)
dash(es) salt and pepper (to taste)
8 c shredded cheddar/jack cheese
9 cubes velveeta block cheese cut into 1-inch cubes
1 c cooked and chopped bacon (optional)
1 c croutons (your favorite flavor) run through a food processor (optional)
1 c diced ham (optional)
5-6 slice provolone cheese
3 box chicken broth (optional)
1/2 c heavy cream

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 375.
  • 2. In a large, heavy bottom sauce pan, cook noodles according to package. I prefer to boil my noodles in chicken broth. This adds flavor!
  • 3. In a separate sauce pan, sauté chopped bacon until cooked through. Add the ham to the bacon/grease, and stir until heated through. With a slotted spoon, remove the meat and set aside. Add the butter to the bacon grease and melt it down. Add soups, heavy cream, and evaporated milk mixing constantly over medium heat until smooth.
  • 4. Once the cheese mix is smooth, the the noodles and mix evenly.
  • 5. Add 6 cups of the shredded cheese. Make sure the cheese sauce and shredded cheese evenly coat the noodles.
  • 6. Pour half of the noodle mix into a 13x9 baking dish.
  • 7. Sprinkle half of the bacon and ham mix over the noodles.
  • 8. Top the bacon and ham with the slices of provolone.
  • 9. Add the remaining noodles over the first layer. Spread them evenly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
  • 10. Layer the remaining shredded cheese, bacon, and ham over.
  • 11. Poke the cubes of block cheese into the Mac evenly spread apart. These pockets of yumminess will surprise your guest!
  • 12. In a food processor or blender, pulse croutons until they become a fine breadcrumb.
  • 13. Sprinkle the crumbs over the top of the Mac.
  • 14. Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes.
  • 15. During the last 10 minutes remove the foil.
  • 16. This recipe is just as good without the bacon and ham.

BEST EVER MACARONI AND CHEESE



Best Ever Macaroni and Cheese image

Perfect for a cold winter's night, this macaroni and cheese is a far cry from the supermarket variety. Rich and creamy with a slight kick, it is rounded off with the topping's crunch. I like to use a variety of cheeses in this. I have used bleu, gouda, gruyere, swiss, cheddar, smoked cheeses, gouda, and others, all with fabulous results. This recipe freezes wonderfully and is just as delicious when reheated in the microwave. 6 cups of cheese approximately equals 2 - 2.25 lbs. Feel free to substitute turkey bacon, or use butter (6 TBS) instead of bacon grease.

Provided by CoreyMB

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h30m

Yield 3 quarts, 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 lb macaroni
12 ounces bacon
6 tablespoons flour
2 teaspoons onion powder
1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 dash Worcestershire sauce
1 dash nutmeg
1 dash hot sauce
5 cups milk
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
2 eggs
6 cups cheese, grated
1 -2 cup Ritz cracker, crushed

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350*F.
  • Grease a deep 3-quart baking dish and set aside.
  • Cook bacon until crispy, reserving the grease.
  • Cook macaroni according to package instructions for al dente.
  • Drain and set aside.
  • Crumble the bacon into the crushed crackers and add 1 cup of the grated cheese.
  • Pulse in a food processor and set aside.
  • Measure 6 tbs of bacon grease and heat in a large saucepan until bubbling.
  • Add flour all at once, whisking until incorporated.
  • Add the onion powder, both paprikas, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper.
  • Continue to whisk for another 1-2 minutes.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk and evaporated milk.
  • Whisk continuously on medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens slightly.
  • Lower the temperature to a simmer.
  • Add the worcestershire, nutmeg, and hot sauce.
  • Stir in the remaining 5 cups of grated cheese.
  • Stir over low heat until the cheeses are melted.
  • Beat the two eggs in a small bowl.
  • Add about a cup of the cheese sauce mixture to the eggs, and whisk rapidly.
  • Whisk the egg mixture back into the pot.
  • Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce mixture. It will be very loose; the macaroni will absorb excess liquid as it bakes.
  • Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  • Top with the cracker-bacon-cheese mixture.
  • Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the middle is set.
  • Allow to rest for 15 minutes before serving.

REATA'S BEST DAMN MACARONI AND CHEESE EVER



Reata's Best Damn Macaroni and Cheese Ever image

This is the recipe that caused me to buy the Reata's cookbook. Boy, was it worth it! I've loved homemade mac and cheese since forever, but finding one that my family would enjoy hadn't worked until now. I've tried recipes from all sorts of cookbooks: Martha Stewart's, Better Home and Gardens, and too many others to list. I'd given up hope until I found this one. This is a keeper! My daughter and I did have trouble finding asiago cheese in our small West Texas town, so she drove to San Antonio and bought some for me. That is trust and love.

Provided by LoriLee in TX

Categories     Cheese

Time 17m

Yield 1 casserole, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups heavy cream
1/2-3/4 cup asiago cheese, grated
1/2-3/4 cup plain monterey jack cheese, shredded
4 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
1/4 cup fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
4 -5 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
salt and pepper
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 1/2 cups dried breadcrumbs (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven on the broil setting.
  • Heat a large pot to medium and add the heavy cream. When the cream begins to bubble around the edges, add 1/2 cup each of the asiago and Monterey jack cheese, stirring constantly until the cheeses are melted.
  • Remove from heat and add the macaroni, stirring until thoroughly incorporated.
  • Add the diced jalapenos and bacon. The cheese mixture should be like glue now. If it's not add a little more of the remaining 1/4 cup of asiago and Monterey jack cheeses until they are melted and the mixture isn't too wet looking. If the mixture seems too dry, add 2 tablespoons of the heavy cream until it's the consistency you like.
  • Sprinkle in a little salt and pepper. I didn't use very much. The bacon and cheese must have plenty of salt.
  • Pour the mixture into a large baking dish and distribute evenly. Top with the cheddar cheese and if you wish, the bread crumbs.
  • Place the dish under the broiler. It's done when the cheese on top begins to bubble and brown around the edges.
  • Note: Don't be afraid to add all the jalapenos. I was afraid they'd be too hot for the grandkids who don't care for the heat. But the peppers didn't seem hot at all.

BEST MACARONI AND CHEESE YOU'LL EVER EAT



BEST MACARONI AND CHEESE YOU'LL EVER EAT image

Categories     Cheese     Side     Fry     Kid-Friendly     Quick & Easy     Dinner     Lunch

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 Cups Elbow Macaroni
3 Tablespoons Butter
2 Tablespoons Flour
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1 Cup Milk
1 Cup Heavy Cream
2 Cups Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Steps:

  • Pour macaroni in boiling water and cook for 7 or 8 minutes. When done, drain and set aside. In a medium to large sauce pan, melt butter. When totally melted add in flour and salt. Whisk with spoon or fork until completely uniform in texture. Add milk and cream and cook over medium heat until bubbling and thick. Add cheese and stir into mixture until completely melted. Add macaroni and enjoy!

TAMMY'S BEST-EVER MACARONI & CHEESE



Tammy's Best-Ever Macaroni & Cheese image

I originally got a simple recipe from my mother and just added a few extras. I like gooey, cheesey food that sticks to your ribs!

Provided by Tammy Andrews

Categories     Pasta Shells

Time 45m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (16 ounce) box shell pasta
2 tablespoons salt (for boiling water)
6 cups shredded cheese (I like to use 3 different kind,like ( taco blend,monterey,sharp cheddar)
1 pint heavy cream
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon salt
pepper (comfortable amount to you)

Steps:

  • Begin by boiling your pasta in large pot for 10-12 minutes, no longer.
  • Drain and leave pasta in colander for time being.
  • In the pot you are using, over med-med.
  • high heat (not boiling) add your heavy cream,onion powder,1 tbs.
  • salt and pepper (to your preference).
  • Mix and then begin adding your cheese,2 cups at a time.
  • Stir until cheese is completely melted.
  • Once cheese is melted, remove from heat and stir in your pasta until completely coated.
  • Pour into a large buttered casserole dish.
  • Bake in a 350% preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until brown and bubbly.

BEST BOSTON MARKET MACARONI AND CHEESE COPYCAT RECIPE RECIPE - (4/5)



Best Boston Market Macaroni and Cheese Copycat Recipe Recipe - (4/5) image

Provided by ThriftyDIYDiva

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 ounces semolina rotini pasta, prepared al dente
1 tablespoon minced onion
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, melted
1/4 cup all purpose flour
2 cups milk
4 ounces American cheese, cubed
1/4 cup cubed blue cheese
1/4 cup cubed cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
2 pinches dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground tumeric
pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Please view http://thriftydiydiva.com/best-boston-market-macaroni-and-cheese-copycat-recipe/ for the full instructions!

MOM'S BEST MACARONI & CHEESE



Mom's Best Macaroni & Cheese image

An easy great tasting and quick dish that goes great with hot dogs and we also love it with baked ham!

Provided by Bon E.

Categories     Casseroles

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 c uncooked elbow macaroni(7 ounces)
1/4 c butter
1/4 c flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp ground mustard
1/4 tsp worcestershire sauce
2 c milk
2 c cubed sharp chedder cheese (8 ounces)

Steps:

  • 1. Heat oven to *350.
  • 2. Cook macaroni as directed on package.
  • 3. While macaroni is cooking, melt butte in a 3qt. sauce pan over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard and worcestershire sauce. Cook over low heat, stirring til mixture is smooth and bubbly, remove from heat. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly.Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in cheese cubes. Cook stirring until cheese is melted.
  • 4. Drain macaroni. Gently stir macaroni into cheese sauce. Pour into ungreased 2 qt. casserole. Bake uncovered 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for freshly shredded cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan. Use real butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor. Freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice touch as well.
  • Cook the macaroni pasta al dente: This means cooking it until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and absorb too much sauce.
  • Make a creamy cheese sauce: Use a roux (a mixture of melted butter and flour) to thicken the milk and create a smooth and creamy cheese sauce. Gradually whisk in the shredded cheese until it is melted and combined.
  • Add flavor to the cheese sauce: In addition to salt and pepper, you can add other seasonings to the cheese sauce, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper. You can also stir in cooked vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or peas.
  • Bake the macaroni and cheese: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish and top with additional shredded cheese. Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
  • Let the macaroni and cheese cool slightly before serving: This will allow the cheese sauce to set and the macaroni to absorb the flavors.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and golden brown crust, it is a dish that is sure to please everyone. By following the tips in this article, you can make a delicious and memorable macaroni and cheese that will be a hit at your next gathering.

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