Best 9 Classic Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

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Indulge in the creamy goodness of a classic macaroni and cheese dish, a timeless favorite enjoyed by people of all ages. This versatile dish can be prepared in various ways, each offering a unique twist on the traditional recipe. From the classic stovetop method to the convenience of a slow cooker or the delightful crunch of a baked macaroni and cheese, this article presents a collection of mouthwatering recipes that cater to every taste and occasion. Whether you prefer a simple and comforting meal or a more elevated and gourmet experience, these recipes will guide you in creating the perfect macaroni and cheese dish that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

CLASSIC BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

Think Stouffer's without the freezer. While it can be enjoyed straight from the pot, this macaroni and cheese has a slightly looser sauce than the stovetop variety to allow for thickening in the oven. Bread crumbs, while optional, make it truly spectacular.

Provided by Alison Roman

Categories     dinner, lunch, casseroles, pastas, main course, side dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound elbows, shells, cavatappi, farfalle, fusilli or other short, tube-shaped pasta
Kosher salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 clove garlic, finely grated
1 teaspoon smoked or hot paprika
Freshly ground pepper
12 ounces sharp or white Cheddar cheese, grated
12 ounces fontina or Gruyère, grated
1 cup coarse bread crumbs or panko
4 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it's barely al dente. (It should be more al dente than your average pasta: It's going to continue to cook in the oven.) Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, heat butter in a medium pot over medium heat. (The pot should be large enough to hold all the pasta when cooked.) Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the flour is foamy and just starting to turn a light golden brown, about 4 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk to avoid clumping. Add garlic, paprika and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly and paying special attention to the edges of the pot to make sure the flour mixture is totally incorporated.
  • Add grated cheese and whisk to blend until the cheese is completely melted. (The sauce will seem thick at first and thin out as the cheese melts; it will thicken while it bakes.) Season with salt and pepper and add cooked pasta, stirring to coat well.
  • Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil (to catch any cheesy drips).
  • Make the optional topping: Combine bread crumbs, melted butter and Parmesan, if using, in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper and, using your hands, mix well to ensure the bread crumbs are evenly coated.
  • Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 3-quart or 9 x 13 baking dish and scatter bread crumbs, if using, evenly over the top. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake until macaroni and cheese is bubbling, thickened and creamy, and bread crumbs are evenly golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 1076, UnsaturatedFat 24 grams, Carbohydrate 85 grams, Fat 61 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 46 grams, SaturatedFat 31 grams, Sodium 1027 milligrams, Sugar 12 grams, TransFat 1 gram

CLASSIC SOUTHERN MACARONI AND CHEESE



Classic Southern Macaroni and Cheese image

Provided by Virginia Willis

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups elbow macaroni
8 ounces grated extra-sharp Cheddar (about 2 cups)
2 cups milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch ovenproof casserole dish.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until tender (a little more than al dente), about 12 minutes. Drain well in a colander.
  • In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, cheese, milk and eggs. Add some salt and pepper. Transfer to the prepared dish.
  • Bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool slightly before serving.

CLASSIC MACARONI AND CHEESE



Classic Macaroni and Cheese image

This is the classic baked Mac and Cheese of my childhood. You can add sun-dried tomatoes if you wish, or sometimes I substitute minced garlic for the salt and pepper to give it added zing! It can make Saturday Night more fun!

Provided by Cordi Tierno

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

Time 1h10m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 (16 ounce) package macaroni
1 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, sliced
1 tablespoon butter
salt and pepper to taste
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 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.
  • Grease a 2 quart casserole dish. Place a quarter of the macaroni in the bottom, followed by an even layer of one-quarter of the cheese slices. Dot with butter and season with salt and pepper. Repeat layering three times. Pour evaporated milk evenly over the top of all.
  • Bake, uncovered, for one hour, or until top is golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 701.3 calories, Carbohydrate 64.9 g, Cholesterol 102.8 mg, Fat 33.5 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 34 g, SaturatedFat 20.4 g, Sodium 552.2 mg, Sugar 7.8 g

CLASSIC MACARONI AND CHEESE FROM FINE COOKING



Classic Macaroni and Cheese from Fine Cooking image

This is best assembled ahead. Pasta will soak up sauce. Sprinkle on crumbs just before baking. A wonderful version of a classic dish.

Provided by KathyP53

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 1h

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 lb elbow macaroni
14 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 bay leaf
1 sprig fresh thyme
9 black peppercorns
4 1/2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 pinch nutmeg
6 cups finely grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/4 cups coarse fresh breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375 degrees and butter 9x13" baking dish.
  • Cook macaroni according to package directions just until tender and drain well.
  • Melt 12 tablespoons of butter in a heavy-based medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, onion, bay leaf, thyme, and peppercorns; reduce heat to medium low and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux. Slowly whisk the milk into rux until smooth and blended. Raise heat to medium-high; whisk constantly until mixture boils. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Lower heat and continue simmering for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Strain sauce into a large bowl, removing the onion, herbs, and peppercorns. Add salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese is melted. Toss pasta with cheese sauce and pour mixture into baking dish.
  • Melt last 2 tablespoons butter and toss with breadcrumbs. Spread the buttered curmbs over casserole. Bake until sizzling and lightly browned, about 40 minutes. Cover with foil is browns too quickly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1205.8, Fat 72.7, SaturatedFat 44.8, Cholesterol 208.2, Sodium 947.7, Carbohydrate 89.6, Fiber 3.9, Sugar 13.4, Protein 48.1

CLASSIC MACARONI AND CHEESE



Classic Macaroni and Cheese image

Make and share this Classic Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Vicki in CT

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h15m

Yield 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb macaroni
6 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup diced onion
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
pepper
4 cups milk (we use skim)
2 lbs Velveeta cheese, cubed

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, in large sauce pan melt butter. Cook onion in butter till tender but not brown.
  • Stir in flour, salt, and pepper. Cook one minute.
  • Pour in milk. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly, be sure to scrape bottom as it cooks. Cook and stir 1-2 minutes more.
  • Stir in cheese. Heat and stir until cheese is melted.
  • Stir in cooked macaroni. Pour into large 3 quart casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 579, Fat 30.9, SaturatedFat 19.6, Cholesterol 103.7, Sodium 1675.1, Carbohydrate 50.6, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 8.4, Protein 24.2

FANNIE FARMERS CLASSIC BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE RECIPE - (4.2/5)



Fannie Farmers Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe - (4.2/5) image

Provided by Jen_Green

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 package (8 ounce) macaroni, 3 cups uncooked
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1 cup cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
Fresh ground black pepper , to taste
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup breadcrumbs , buttered

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Cook and drain macaroni according to package directions; set aside. In a large saucepan melt butter. Add flour mixed with salt and pepper, using a whisk to stir until well blended. Pour milk and cream in gradually; stirring constantly. Bring to boiling point and boil 2 minutes (stirring constantly). Reduce heat and cook (stirring constantly) 10 minutes. Add shredded cheddar little by little and simmer an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese melts. Turn off flame. Add macaroni to the saucepan and toss to coat with the cheese sauce. Transfer macaroni to a buttered baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Bake 20 minutes until the top is golden brown. You can also freeze this recipe in zip-lock bags for later use-once you have mixed the macaroni along with the cheese sauce allow to cool to room temperature before adding to your freezer-I generally pull it out the night before and allow macaroni and cheese to reach room temperature; I then add the macaroni and cheese to a buttered baking dish, sprinkle with bread crumbs and then bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until golden brown on top and bubbling.

CLASSIC MACARONI AND CHEESE (AMERICA'S TEST KITCHEN) RECIPE - (3.6/5)



Classic Macaroni and Cheese (America's Test Kitchen) Recipe - (3.6/5) image

Provided by abrocakes

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 Cups Panko breach crumbs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces (cold)
1 lb elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon salt
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 teaspoons mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
5 cups milk
2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat broiler. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in Dutch oven over high heat. Add macaroni and 1 tablespoon salt; cook until pasta is tender; drain and set aside in colander. In now empty Dutch oven, heat butter over medium-high heat until foaming. Add flour, mustard, and cayenne and whisk well to combine. Continue whisking until mixture becomes fragrant and deepens in color, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk; bring mixture to boil, whisking constantly (mixture must reach full boil to fully thicken). Reduce heat to medium and simmer, whisking occasionally, until thickened to consistency of heavy cream, about 5 minutes. Off heat, whisk in cheeses and 1 teaspoon salt until cheeses are fully melted. Add pasta and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is steaming and heated through, about 6 minutes. Transfer mixture to broiler safe 9 by 13" baking dish and sprinkle evenly with bread crumb mixture. Broil until crumbs are deep golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes, rotating pan if necessary for even browning. Cool about 5 minutes, then serve.

CLASSIC MACARONI AND CHEESE



CLASSIC MACARONI AND CHEESE image

Categories     Pasta     Side

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

Bread Crumb Topping
6 slices white sandwich bread (good-quality, about 6 ounces), torn into rough pieces
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold), cut into 6 pieces
Pasta and Cheese
1 pound elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon table salt
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons powdered mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
5 cups milk (see note)
8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese , shredded (2 cups)
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese , shredded (2 cups)
1 teaspoon table salt

Steps:

  • 1. For the bread crumbs: Pulse bread and butter in food processor until crumbs are no larger than 1/8 inch, ten to fifteen 1-second pulses. Set aside. 2. For the pasta and cheese: Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat broiler. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in Dutch oven over high heat. Add macaroni and 1 tablespoon salt; cook until pasta is tender. Drain pasta and set aside in colander. 3. In now-empty Dutch oven, heat butter over medium-high heat until foaming. Add flour, mustard, and cayenne (if using) and whisk well to combine. Continue whisking until mixture becomes fragrant and deepens in color, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk; bring mixture to boil, whisking constantly (mixture must reach full boil to fully thicken). Reduce heat to medium and simmer, whisking occasionally, until thickened to consistency of heavy cream, about 5 minutes. Off heat, whisk in cheeses and 1 teaspoon salt until cheeses are fully melted. Add pasta and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is steaming and heated through, about 6 minutes. 4. Transfer mixture to broiler-safe 9-by 13-inch baking dish and sprinkle evenly with bread crumbs. Broil until crumbs are deep golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes, rotating pan if necessary for even browning. Cool about 5 minutes, then serve.

CLASSIC MACARONI AND CHEESE



Classic Macaroni And Cheese image

This is a recipe I dug out of my recipe box today.

Provided by Nancy Allen

Categories     Pasta Sides

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 can(s) campbells cream of celery soup
3/4 c milk
1 tsp prepared mustard or mild english mustard
1/8 tsp pepper
3 c cooked elbow macaroni
2 c shredded chedder cheese, divided
1 c french fried onions, optional

Steps:

  • 1. In a 1 1/2 quart casserole, stir together soup, milk, mustard and pepper. Stir in macaroni and 1 1/2 cups of cheese. Bake at 400F for 25 minutes or until hot. Stir.
  • 2. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Top with onions, if desired. Bake 5 minutes more or until cheese melts. Makes 6 servings.

Tips:

  • Use a high-quality cheese blend. A combination of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan will give you the best flavor and texture.
  • Cook the macaroni to al dente. This means that it should be slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked macaroni will be mushy and not hold its shape.
  • Make a roux. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that helps to thicken the cheese sauce. It also prevents the sauce from curdling.
  • Use milk and cream. Whole milk and heavy cream will give you a rich and creamy sauce. Avoid using low-fat or skim milk, as this will make the sauce thin and watery.
  • Season the sauce to taste. Salt, pepper, and paprika are all good options. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little spice.
  • Top with breadcrumbs. Buttered breadcrumbs add a nice crunchy texture to the macaroni and cheese. You can also use crushed crackers or grated Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's easy to make, affordable, and customizable. Whether you like it simple or loaded with toppings, there's a macaroni and cheese recipe out there for everyone.

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