Best 9 Better Than Moms Mac N Cheese Recipes

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**Macaroni and cheese**, a classic comfort food dish, is a delightful combination of tender pasta, creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy golden-brown topping. This beloved dish has captured hearts and taste buds for centuries, with countless variations and recipes passed down through generations. Our collection of macaroni and cheese recipes offers a range of delectable options, each with its own unique twist on this timeless classic.

From the traditional stovetop method to the convenience of a slow cooker or the air fryer, we have recipes that cater to different cooking preferences and time constraints. Indulge in the velvety smooth texture of our classic macaroni and cheese, or explore variations such as the bacon-infused mac and cheese, the zesty Mexican-inspired mac and cheese, or the decadent lobster mac and cheese. Whether you prefer a simple, comforting dish or a more elevated gourmet experience, our macaroni and cheese recipes have something for every palate. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on a culinary journey to discover the ultimate macaroni and cheese experience.

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

THE BEST HOMEMADE BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese image

The BEST Homemade Mac and Cheese of your LIFE. Outrageously cheesy, ultra creamy, and topped with a crunchy Panko-Parmesan topping, this mac and cheese recipe is most definitely a keeper. I used three different cheese and a homemade cheese sauce to take this macaroni and cheese recipe over the top.

Provided by Trish - Mom On Timeout

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 13

16 oz elbow macaroni, cooked ((or other tubular pasta))
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
6 tbsp unsalted butter
1/3 cup all purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
2 cups Gruyere cheese (shredded)
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups panko crumbs
4 tbsp butter (melted)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
1/4 tsp smoked paprika ((or regular paprika))

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a large 3 qt or 4 qt baking dish and set aside.Combine shredded cheeses in a large bowl and set aside.
  • Cook the pasta one minute shy of al dente according to the package instructions. Remove from heat, drain, and place in a large bowl.
  • Drizzle pasta with olive oil and stir to coat pasta. Set aside to cool while preparing cheese sauce.
  • Melt butter in a deep saucepan, dutch oven, or stock pot.
  • Whisk in flour over medium heat and continue whisking for about 1 minute until bubbly and golden.
  • Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until nice and smooth. Continue whisking until you see bubbles on the surface and then continue cooking and whisking for another 2 minutes. Whisk in salt and pepper.
  • Add two cups of shredded cheese and whisk until smooth. Add another two cups of shredded cheese and continue whisking until creamy and smooth. Sauce should be nice and thick.
  • Stir in the cooled pasta until combined and pasta is fully coated with the cheese sauce.
  • Pour half of the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese and then the remaining mac and cheese.
  • In a small bowl, combine panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter and paprika. Sprinkle over the top and bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 642 kcal, Carbohydrate 40 g, Protein 26 g, Fat 41 g, SaturatedFat 24 g, Cholesterol 125 mg, Sodium 550 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 4 g, ServingSize 1 serving

BETTER THAN MOM'S MAC 'N CHEESE



Better Than Mom's Mac 'N Cheese image

Homemade macaroni and cheese is comfort food all the way and this recipe is ooey, gooey goodness. We loved ALL the types of cheese in this divine mac and cheese. Munster cheese and the extra sharp cheddar really stood out for us in the recipe. The cheesy crouton crumb topping is the perfect final touch. The next time you have an...

Provided by Tere Gill

Categories     Pasta Sides

Time 1h45m

Number Of Ingredients 19

4 qt water, boiling
1 tsp salt
8 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 Tbsp butter, room temperature
4 oz cream cheese (1/2 brick), room temperature
1/8 c blue cheese crumbles
1/4 c Asiago cheese, shredded
1/3 c Munster cheese, shredded
1/2 c mild cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 c extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2/3 c Monterey jack cheese, shredded
1 c half & half creamer (or combination of heavy cream & whole milk)
1 large egg
1/2 tsp seasoned salt
1/16 tsp ground black pepper
TOPPING
1 Tbsp butter, melted
1 c herb seasoned croutons, crushed
1/8 c grated Parmesan, Romano & Asiago cheese blend (shaker container type)

Steps:

  • 1. (NOTE:) Recipe may be doubled for 9"x13" or 4 qt. casserole.
  • 2. Lightly grease a 2 or 2 1/2 quart casserole dish; set aside.
  • 3. (This step is the most time consuming, so you may want to shred the cheeses ahead of time. Please don't use the pre-shredded cheeses as it will negatively affect your results.) Gather and prep all ingredients except macaroni (shred cheeses, crush croutons etc...).
  • 4. Add water and 1 teaspoon salt to large pot (5 qt. or larger;) over high heat, bring water to boil.
  • 5. Add macaroni; stir. When water returns to boil, reduce heat to medium-high; set timer and cook for 8 minutes.
  • 6. Drain macaroni, but do NOT rinse.
  • 7. Return macaroni to the hot pot.
  • 8. Immediately add butter and cream cheese; stir gently until melted.
  • 9. Preheat oven to 350ºF. In a plastic food bag or bowl combine cheeses.
  • 10. Add combined cheeses to macaroni. Stir to mix well.
  • 11. Into the half & half, add egg, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Whisk or beat well with a fork until very well combined.
  • 12. Pour over macaroni and cheese mixture in pan; stir to mix well.
  • 13. Pour macaroni mixture evenly into prepared dish. (If you have a little shredded cheese leftover, you may sprinkle on top of macaroni mixture, up to 1/2 cup.)
  • 14. Make the topping by combining crushed croutons with melted butter.
  • 15. Stir to coat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
  • 16. Sprinkle evenly over macaroni.
  • 17. Bake at 350ºF for approximately 50 to 60 minutes (place a sheet of aluminum foil over it, towards the end of cooking time, if it is beginning to become too browned).
  • 18. Serve immediately. Cover and refrigerate leftovers. If reheating, add a tablespoon of milk or half & half to the bottom of the dish.

GRANDMA'S SOUTHERN MAC AND CHEESE



Grandma's Southern Mac and Cheese image

This is my grandmother's macaroni and cheese recipe that we all crave and only get to have twice a year, if we play our cards right. Fairly simple and straightforward. The key is cooking time more than anything.

Provided by Rhett Towles

Categories     Side Dish

Time 48m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 pound elbow macaroni
4 pounds Cheddar cheese, sliced
1 ½ cups milk
5 eggs, or more to taste
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.
  • Layer some of the macaroni in a 5-quart baking dish; top with a layer of Cheddar cheese. Continue layering macaroni and Cheddar cheese into the dish, ending with a Cheddar cheese layer.
  • Beat milk, eggs, and mustard together in a bowl; pour over macaroni mixture, ensuring milk mixture gets to all of the macaroni.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and just before cheese around the sides gets crisp, 20 to 25 minutes. Season with black pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 477.8 calories, Carbohydrate 19.1 g, Cholesterol 143.3 mg, Fat 32.1 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 27.8 g, SaturatedFat 19.8 g, Sodium 599 mg, Sugar 2 g

MOM'S MACARONI AND CHEESE



Mom's Macaroni and Cheese image

Tender pasta is smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce for a down-home casserole that always satisfies.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 40m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (5 oz)
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups milk
6 oz American cheese loaf, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375°F. Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package using minimum cook time.
  • Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook onion, salt and pepper in butter, stirring occasionally, until onion is crisp-tender.
  • In small bowl, mix flour and milk until smooth; stir into onion mixture. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute; remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted. Stir in macaroni. Into ungreased 1 1/2-quart casserole, spoon macaroni mixture.
  • Bake about 30 minutes or until bubbly and light brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 410, Carbohydrate 44 g, Cholesterol 50 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 2 g, Protein 17 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1030 mg, Sugar 6 g, TransFat 1/2 g

MOM'S BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Mom's Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

Quick and easy -- macaroni, cheese soup, milk and Colby cheese!

Provided by Courtnay

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

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 (16 ounce) package macaroni
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed Cheddar cheese soup
1 cup milk
1 pound shredded Colby cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • Place macaroni in a 2 quart casserole dish. Stir in cheese soup and milk until well combined. Sprinkle with shredded Colby.
  • Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until cheese is brown and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 673.9 calories, Carbohydrate 65.5 g, Cholesterol 86.6 mg, Fat 30.9 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 32.3 g, SaturatedFat 18.7 g, Sodium 849.1 mg, Sugar 3.8 g

MOM'S FAVORITE BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



Mom's Favorite Baked Mac and Cheese image

This is a macaroni and cheese I first made 3 years ago when I was in California. When I got back to Texas I made it for my mom. This is now her favorite baked macaroni and cheese. She begs me to make it when I come to visit.

Provided by GEPETTO_69

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

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (8 ounce) package processed American cheese, cut into strips

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion for 2 minutes. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in milk, salt, mustard and pepper; cook, stirring frequently, until mixture boils and thickens.
  • Meanwhile, bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • To the milk mixture add the Cheddar and American cheeses; stir until cheese melts. Combine macaroni and cheese sauce in a 2 quart baking dish; mix well.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 561 calories, Carbohydrate 36.5 g, Cholesterol 100.1 mg, Fat 33.3 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 28.3 g, SaturatedFat 20.7 g, Sodium 1194 mg, Sugar 5.2 g

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY



How To Make The Best Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe by Tasty image

Nothing says comfort like a homemade baked mac and cheese. Our favorite version is made with a luscious and creamy sauce that pools in the pasta shells for the ultimate cheesy feel-good food.

Provided by Aleya Zenieris

Time 1h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for boiling
8 oz dried pasta shells
10 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
4 oz american cheese, cubed
2 tablespoons cornstarch
½ stick unsalted butter
1 teaspoon mustard powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 ½ cups whole milk
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 large egg
2 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
2 oz parmesan cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than recommended on the package (you want the pasta to have a slight bite; it will finish cooking while it bakes).
  • In a large bowl, combine 8 ounces shredded cheddar with the American cheese and cornstarch. Use your fingers to gently toss until all of the cheese is coated.
  • Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. As the butter begins to sizzle, add the mustard powder and cayenne and stir to combine. Toast the spices until the butter turns golden brown, about 1 minute.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the milk begins to simmer, with small bubbles rapidly rising to the surface, about 3 minutes.
  • Whisk the egg in a small bowl, then temper it by slowly adding in spoonfuls of the simmering milk mixture while continuing to whisk until incorporated.
  • Slowly drizzle the tempered egg back into the milk mixture, whisking vigorously until the egg is fully incorporated.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and add the cheddar cheese mixture, a small handful at a time, whisking between each addition to make sure the cheese melts evenly (mix quickly enough that the mixture does not cool too rapidly, but slowly enough that the emulsion does not break).
  • Add the cooked pasta to the pot and gently fold to coat with the sauce, then season with 1 teaspoon salt. Pour the pasta and sauce into an 8-inch square baking dish with 2-inch-high sides (at this point, the pasta can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 3 days).
  • In a medium bowl, combine the remaining 2 ounces of cheddar cheese, the mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle on top of the pasta.
  • Bake the mac and cheese until the cheese is melted and beginning to bubble around the edges, about 20 minutes. Turn the broiler on high and broil the mac and cheese until the cheese begins to brown all over, about 5 minutes. Let the mac and cheese sit for 5 minutes for the sauce set and cool slightly.
  • Serve warm.
  • Enjoy!

FAMILY-FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Family-Favorite Macaroni and Cheese image

Creamy and cheesy, this homemade mac and cheese recipe is just the ticket for traditional comfort food, but with lots of mix-in possibilities that help you put a flavor-forward twist on a classic recipe. Check out the Expert Tips section below for suggestions on adding bacon, caramelized onions, fire-roasted diced tomatoes and even lobster.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 50m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (7 ounces)
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded or cubed Cheddar cheese (8 ounces)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package.
  • While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in 3-quart saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constanly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.
  • Gently stir macaroni into cheese sauce.
  • Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 400, Carbohydrate 34 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 1 g, Protein 17 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 560 mg

MOM'S MACARONI AND CHEESE



Mom's Macaroni and Cheese image

The wonderful homemade goodness of this creamy Velveeta mac and cheese makes it a staple side dish in my mother's kitchen and in mine as well. It has tender noodles and a crowd-pleasing golden crumb topping. -Maria Costello, Monroe, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Side Dishes

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1-1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
5 tablespoons butter, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 ounces cubed Velveeta
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat. Add the cheeses, stirring until cheese is melted. Drain macaroni., Transfer macaroni to a greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over macaroni; mix well. Melt the remaining butter; add the bread crumbs. Sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 30 minutes or until heated through and topping is golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 309 calories, Fat 20g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 60mg cholesterol, Sodium 569mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 11g protein.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your mac and cheese.
  • Cook the pasta al dente. This means that it should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it.
  • Use a variety of cheeses. This will create a more complex and flavorful sauce.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to make mac and cheese, so feel free to get creative and try different ingredients and techniques.
  • Make sure to season your mac and cheese well. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are all good starting points.
  • Serve immediately. Mac and cheese is best when it's hot and gooey.

Conclusion:

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's easy to make and can be customized to your own taste preferences. With so many delicious variations to choose from, there's sure to be a mac and cheese recipe that everyone will love.

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