**Macaroni and cheese**, a classic comfort food, is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is typically made with macaroni pasta, cheese sauce, and often additional ingredients such as meat, vegetables, or breadcrumbs. The cheese sauce is usually made with a combination of cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyère cheeses, but other types of cheese can also be used. Macaroni and cheese can be baked in the oven, cooked on the stovetop, or even made in a slow cooker. This article provides three delicious macaroni and cheese recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings:
* **Country Kitchen Macaroni and Cheese:** This classic recipe uses a simple cheese sauce made with cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. It is then baked in the oven until golden brown and bubbly.
* **Loaded Macaroni and Cheese:** This recipe takes macaroni and cheese to the next level with the addition of bacon, ground beef, and vegetables. It is sure to be a hit at your next potluck or party.
* **Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese:** This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Simply throw all of the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. You will come home to a delicious and cheesy meal that the whole family will love.
No matter which recipe you choose, you are sure to enjoy this classic comfort food. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking!
COUNTRY STYLE MACARONI AND CHEESE
I have been making this recipe since my son was small, it's also great made with rotini (corkscrew) pasta ---prep time does not include cooking the macaroni, you may omit the breadcrumb topping if desired.
Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz
Categories Cheese
Time 40m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Set oven to 350 degrees F.
- For topping; in a bowl combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter; set aside.
- In a large saucepan, cook the macaroni until firm-tender; drain, and add the Velveeta cheese, stir well; set aside.
- In a medium saucepan melt butter, add flour; stir well.
- Add in the milk or half and half, mustard, cream cheese, salt and pepper, then stir until cream cheese is thoroughly combined and melted.
- Add in parsley then pour over macaroni mixture.
- Transfer to a large casserole dish.
- Top with 1-1/2 cups breadcrumbs mixed with 2 Tbsp melted butter.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until top is a light golden brown.
BEST-EVER MACARONI AND CHEESE
In the South, mac 'n cheese is like everyone's favorite aunt-and this best-ever recipe beats out the rest.
Provided by Southern Living Test Kitchen
Categories Casserole
Time 1h10m
Yield Serves 10
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare pasta according to package directions for al dente.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium. Add next 6 ingredients; cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Add flour, and cook, stirring, until golden, 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Bring to a boil, whisking occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, whisking, until slightly thickened, 5 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce. Remove from heat; stir in 3/4 cup each of shredded Cheddar cheeses until melted. (Reserve remaining 1/4 cup each of shredded cheeses.) Stir in pasta and diced cheeses; pour into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch (3-quart) baking dish.
- Bake on a rimmed baking sheet in preheated oven until bubbly and golden, 30 minutes. Remove from oven; increase oven temperature to broil. Sprinkle with reserved shredded cheeses; broil 6 inches from heat until cheeses are melted and golden, about 2 minutes. Remove from oven; cool slightly on a wire rack, about 15 minutes.
MAC AND CHEESE
Raise the volume with Ina Garten's creamy Mac and Cheese recipe, made with Gruy�re, fresh tomatoes and nutmeg for warmth, from Food Network's Barefoot Contessa.
Provided by Ina Garten
Categories side-dish
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.
- Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don't boil it. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large (4-quart) pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the Gruyere, Cheddar, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cooked macaroni and stir well. Pour into a 3-quart baking dish.
- Slice the tomatoes and arrange on top. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, combine them with the fresh bread crumbs, and sprinkle on the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.
MAC & CHEESE - COOK'S COUNTRY RECIPE - (4.4/5)
Provided by GratefulSea
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- 1. COOK MACARONI Adjust oven to middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in large Dutch oven over high heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon salt and macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain pasta and return to pot. Pour diced tomatoes with their juices over pasta and stir to coat. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until most of liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Set aside. 2. MAKE SAUCE Meanwhile, melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat until foaming. Stir in flour and cayenne and cook until golden, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in half-and-half and broth until smooth. Bring to boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture is slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Off heat, whisk in cheeses, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper until cheeses melt. Pour sauce over macaroni and stir to combine. Add a generous amount of Panko bread crumbs, spreading them over the top of the casserole. 3. BAKE MACARONI AND CHEESE Scrape mixture into 13 by 9-inch baking dish set in rimmed baking sheet and bake until top begins to brown, 15 to 20 minutes. You may want to add 3-5 minutes under the broiler to brown the bread crumbs. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. MAKE AHEAD: Macaroni and cheese can be made in advance through step 2. Scrape mixture into 13 by 9-inch baking dish, cool, lay plastic wrap directly on surface of pasta, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, remove plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until top is golden brown, about 15 minutes. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Tips:
- Use a quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will greatly affect the taste of your macaroni and cheese. Use a cheese that melts well and has a strong flavor, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan.
- Cook the macaroni al dente: Macaroni that is cooked too soft will become mushy and unpleasant in the dish. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions, but err on the side of undercooking it slightly.
- Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken sauces. It will help to create a smooth and creamy cheese sauce.
- Use milk and cream: Milk and cream add richness and flavor to the cheese sauce. Use a combination of whole milk and heavy cream for the best results.
- Season the cheese sauce: Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste. You can also add herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for extra flavor.
- Bake the macaroni and cheese: Baking the macaroni and cheese will help to brown the top and create a crispy crust. Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the macaroni and cheese immediately: Macaroni and cheese is best served hot and fresh out of the oven. Enjoy it with a side salad or your favorite vegetables.
Conclusion:
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of different ingredients and flavors. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious macaroni and cheese that your family and friends will love. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give this country kitchen macaroni and cheese recipe a try.
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