Indulge in a velvety symphony of flavors with our creamy macaroni and cheese recipes. These culinary masterpieces elevate the classic dish to new heights of taste and texture. Each recipe offers a unique take on this timeless comfort food, ensuring that there's something for every palate. From the classic stovetop rendition to the convenience of the Instant Pot and the indulgence of baked macaroni and cheese, these recipes cater to diverse cooking preferences and time constraints. Let your taste buds embark on a cheesy adventure as you explore the delightful variations presented here.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE
This is the ultimate creamy mac and cheese recipe. It's saucy, thick and very rich, with a wonderful cheddar flavor. Once you taste it, you'll be hooked. -Cindy Hartley, Chesapeake, Virginia
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 55m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. , Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add 1-1/2 cups milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat; stir in sour cream, Velveeta, Parmesan cheese, salt, mustard and pepper until smooth and cheese is melted. Add additional milk to reach desired consistency. , Drain macaroni; toss with cheddar cheese. Transfer to a greased 3-qt. baking dish. Stir in cream sauce. , Bake, uncovered, 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 653 calories, Fat 46g fat (30g saturated fat), Cholesterol 143mg cholesterol, Sodium 1141mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 25g protein.
CREAMY BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
This baked mac and cheese - perfect for a large crowd or as a side dish - is super simple to make. The cream cheese gives it richness and a little tang.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 50m
Yield Serves 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Set an oven rack 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until it is al dente, about 6 minutes. Strain, reserving 1 3/4 cups of the pasta water. Set aside.
- Heat the half-and-half and cayenne in a large saucepan over medium heat until it just comes to a simmer. Continue simmering until the half-and-half is reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 15 minutes. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Whisk in the Cheddar and Gruyere until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the macaroni and the reserved pasta water to the saucepan and stir to combine. (It will look very loose, but the pasta will suck up a lot of the sauce as it bakes.) Season to taste with salt if needed. Pour into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Toss the bread crumbs with the butter and a sprinkle of salt in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and the bread crumbs are lightly browned and crispy, about 10 minutes.
CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE
Macaroni and cheese is perfect supper food. It's a kids' favorite, and adults like it too. My recipe is simple and almost as quick as the boxed variety.
Provided by USA WEEKEND columnist Pam Anderson
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring 2 quarts of water to boil in large soup kettle. Add salt and pasta. Using package directions as a guide, cook until al dente. Drain. To prevent sticking, drain and immediately pour onto a large lipped baking sheet and let cool while preparing sauce.
- Meanwhile, microwave the milk and chicken broth in a 4-cup Pyrex measuring cup or bowl until hot and steamy (not boiling). Melt butter in the empty pasta pot; whisk in flour, then hot milk mixture. Continue to whisk until thick and bubbly, 3 to 4 minutes. Whisk in mustard, Parmesan and pepper. Turn off heat, stir in cheddar until melted.
- Add drained pasta (and optional flavoring ingredients, see notes) to sauce, and stir until everything is well combined over low heat. Stir to heat through, and thin with a little water if the sauce is too thick. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 529.1 calories, Carbohydrate 47.1 g, Cholesterol 82.3 mg, Fat 26.5 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 25.1 g, SaturatedFat 16.1 g, Sodium 1202.9 mg, Sugar 8.5 g
CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE
This is my absolute very favorite macaroni and cheese recipe and I have a large collection of m/c recipes. Adapted from Southern Living. I don't make this very often because I could literally eat the whole thing and lick the dish clean.
Provided by ratherbeswimmin
Categories Cheese
Time 1h20m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a big skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
- Whisk the flour in gradually until the mixture is smooth.
- Cook and whisk continually for 2 minutes.
- Add in salt, pepper, cayenne, and garlic; stir to combine.
- Gradually whisk in half-and-half and milk.
- Cook and whisk continually for 8-10 minutes or until mixture is thickened.
- Add in half of the sharp cheddar cheese; stir.
- Add in all of the extra-sharp cheddar cheese; stir until smooth.
- Take skillet off stove burner.
- Mix together the cooked macaroni and cheese mixture; transfer to a greased 13x9 inch casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with the remaining sharp cheddar cheese.
- Bake in a 350° oven for 20 minutes (may need to bake longer for a crispy top).
CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE
There are two schools of thought about macaroni and cheese: Some like it crusty and extra-cheesy (here's our recipe), while others prefer it smooth and creamy. But most people are delighted by any homemade macaroni and cheese. It is light years ahead of the boxed versions. This creamy version has one powerful advantage for the cook: There's no need to preboil the pasta. It cooks in the oven, absorbing the liquid from the dairy products.
Provided by Julia Moskin
Categories brunch, dinner, easy, lunch, weekday, casseroles, main course, side dish
Time 1h40m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat oven to 375 degrees and position an oven rack in upper third of oven. Use 1 tablespoon butter to grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan.
- In a blender, purée cottage cheese, milk, mustard, cayenne, nutmeg and salt and pepper. Reserve 1/4 cup grated Cheddar for topping. In a large bowl, combine remaining grated Cheddar, milk mixture and uncooked pasta. Pour into prepared pan, cover tightly with foil and bake 30 minutes.
- Uncover pan, stir gently, sprinkle with reserved cheese and dot with remaining tablespoon butter. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes more, until browned. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 427, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 26 grams, Fat 26 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 22 grams, SaturatedFat 15 grams, Sodium 496 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 1 gram
MOMMA'S CREAMY BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
I got this creamy baked macaroni and cheese from my Granddaughter and it is soooooo gooood!
Provided by LINDA BAILEY
Categories Casseroles
Time 1h
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- 1. Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Cook macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until tender but not mushy,about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and pour into a large mixing bowl.
- 2. Melt on low the Velvetta Cheese and ¾ cup milk until melted (stir often). Pour Melted Cheese Sauce over Pasta and Stir. Add in butter,¾ cups milk,eggs,1 cup shredded cheeses,salt and pepper.
- 3. Mix well and transfer to a 2 quart baking dish. Pour the remaining cheese on top. Bake until top crust is golden brown and casserole is bubbling ( about 25 minutes ). Serve hot
CREAMY JALAPENO POPPER MACARONI AND CHEESE
This pleasantly spicy mac and cheese delivers on its name: The cheesy jalapeno pasta with its crunchy panko bread crumb topping tastes just like poppers!
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 50m
Yield 8 to 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Set an oven rack 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until it is al dente, about 6 minutes. Strain, reserving 1 3/4 cups of the pasta water. Set aside.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; transfer half the melted butter to a medium bowl and reserve. Add the chopped jalapenos to the saucepan, toss to coat and cook until softened, about 5 minutes; transfer to a small bowl and reserve.
- Wipe out the saucepan and add the half-and-half. Cook over medium heat until it just comes to a simmer. Continue simmering until the half-and-half is reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 15 minutes. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Whisk in the Cheddar and Gruyere until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the macaroni and reserved pasta water and stir to combine. (The mixture will look very loose, but the pasta will suck up a lot of the sauce as it bakes.) Gently fold in the reserved cooked jalapenos, pickled jalapenos and pickled jalapeno juice. Season with salt and cayenne if needed. Pour into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Toss the bread crumbs in the bowl with the reserved melted butter and a sprinkle of salt. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Lay the sliced jalapenos evenly on top of the bread crumbs. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and the bread crumbs are lightly browned and crispy, about 10 minutes.
MAKEOVER CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE
With its creamy consistency and two different cheeses, this entree captures the essence of comfort food. But here's the kicker: it's been slimmed down for you so you can enjoy it without over indulging. -Darcie Zerniak, Ontario, New York
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 55m
Yield 7 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk and broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. , Reduce heat; stir in the sour cream, process cheese, Parmesan, mustard and pepper until smooth. , Drain macaroni; stir in cheddar cheese. Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Add cream sauce and mix well. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with chives if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 394 calories, Fat 18g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 61mg cholesterol, Sodium 842mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 23g protein.
CREAMY BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH KALE AND MUSHROOMS
Don't be alarmed by how much kale you start with for this recipe. It will cook down quite a bit and pairs deliciously with the creamy pasta and shiitake mushrooms.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 1h5m
Yield 8 to 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until it is al dente, about 6 minutes. Strain, reserving 1 3/4 cups of the pasta water. Set aside.
- Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and the shiitake mushrooms and cook, stirring constantly, until the mushrooms are lightly browned in spots and softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Lower the heat to medium and add the kale, garlic and 1/2 cup of water, scraping up any browned bits at the bottom of the pan with the back of a wooden spoon. Add 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and stir to combine. Cook until the kale is wilted but still crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Remove the vegetables to a bowl and set aside.
- Carefully wipe out the saucepan (or give it a quick rinse if it is really dirty). Add the half-and-half and cayenne and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook until reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 15 minutes. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Whisk in the Cheddar and Gruyere until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the macaroni and reserved pasta water to the saucepan and stir to combine. (The mixture will look very loose, but the pasta will suck up a lot of the sauce as it bakes.) Gently fold in the reserved vegetables. Season to taste with additional salt if needed. Pour into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Toss the bread crumbs, remaining 1/4 cup olive oil and a large pinch of salt and pepper in a medium bowl and sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and the bread crumbs are lightly browned and crispy, about 10 minutes.
CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE SAUSAGE CASSEROLE
Really you can add in anything you want to this, but I prefer sausage meat, frozen peas are also good to add in. Make certain to put a cookie sheet under the baking dish in case of spills, the casserole dish will be very full, or you can bake it in a larger casserole dish. This is delicious even made without the sausage meat added in, but for a main meal I suggest to add in the cooked sausage. You will love this!
Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz
Categories Cheese
Time 55m
Yield 8-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Remove the sausage meat from the casings and brown in a skillet; set aside.
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water (do not cook completely, cook only until VERY firm-tender, as the pasta will cook further in the oven) drain, but DO NOT rinse.
- Place the drained macaroni back in the pot and add in the cooked sausage meat, mix to combine with a wooden spoon; set aside while preparing the cheese sauce.
- In a heavy bottom saucepan, melt the butter or margarine.
- Add in flour, black pepper and garlic powder; whisk for 5 minutes or until thick.
- Slowly add in the milk and whipping cream; whisk continuously for about 6-8 minutes until bubbly and thickened.
- Turn off the heat and add in grated cheddar cheese, Cheese Whiz and Parmeasn cheese; stir with a wooden spoon until all the cheeses have melted and the mixture is smooth (this should take about 3 minutes).
- Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta/sausage meat mixture; stir well with a wooden spoon.
- At this point season with salt if desired.
- Transfer the mixture into a buttered 13 x 9-inch baking dish or a larger casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup grated cheddar cheese, then sprinkle with 1 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Set oven to 350 degree.
- If you are baking it in a 13x9-inch baking dish it will be very full, so place the casserole onto a cookie sheet to catch any spills.
- Bake uncovered for about 30-35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Let sit for 15 minutes or longer before serving.
- Delicious!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1249.1, Fat 90.2, SaturatedFat 51.5, Cholesterol 274.2, Sodium 2149.5, Carbohydrate 57.1, Fiber 2.1, Sugar 4.3, Protein 52
CREAMY STOVE TOP MACARONI AND CHEESE
My family's favorite macaroni and cheese - cooked on top of the stove rather than baked! It's flavor is enhanced by the addition of prepared mustard. Little children love it because it's so creamy and cheese-y. For potlucks, make ahead and reheat in microwave, stirring, just before carrying to dinner.
Provided by BeachGirl
Categories Cheese
Time 25m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In skillet on medium heat, melt butter; quickly whisk in flour to form a paste.
- Immediately add milk, whisking constantly, to form a smooth medium white sauce.
- Cook until mixture gnently boils and sauce thickens, adding a little more milk to make the sauce the consistency of gravy.
- Add mustard and cheese, stirring to mix.
- Cook until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
- Reduce heat to low and add macaroni, stirring to mix well and heat macaroni.
- Serve.
CREAMY WEEKNIGHT MACARONI AND CHEESE
Just as quick as the boxed variety, this creamy macaroni and cheese skirts the traditional butter and flour roux with assistance from cream cheese. While the cream cheese adds an important lusciousness, it doesn't do the macaroni and cheese any favors when it comes to its flavor, so it's important to use the sharpest, tangiest Cheddar you can get your hands on. For perfectly coated noodles, make sure to cook the pasta in the sauce for a minute or two.
Provided by Alison Roman
Categories dinner, lunch, quick, weekday, pastas, main course
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until just barely al dente; drain.
- Meanwhile, bring milk up to a simmer in a large pot. (The pot should be large enough to hold all the pasta when cooked.) Reduce heat to low, add cream cheese, and whisk until it's completely blended and no lumps remain. Add Cheddar cheese and butter, whisking until everything is completely melted. Season with salt and a generous amount of pepper.
- Add cooked pasta and stir to coat. Continue to cook over medium-low heat until the sauce has thickened and is coating each piece of pasta nicely, 2 to 3 minutes; sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Season again with more salt and pepper before serving.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 1114, UnsaturatedFat 19 grams, Carbohydrate 95 grams, Fat 63 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 43 grams, SaturatedFat 35 grams, Sodium 905 milligrams, Sugar 11 grams, TransFat 1 gram
CREAMY PRESSURE COOKER MACARONI AND CHEESE
This yummy, creamy macaroni and cheese is the perfect comfort food! Super simple to make in a pressure cooker, you will have this on the table in no time.
Provided by Christina
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Combine water, macaroni, butter, mustard powder, hot sauce, and salt in a multi-functional pressure cooker. Stir to combine. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 4 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
- Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove lid. Stir the macaroni. Keep pot on the Warm setting. Slowly add American cheese, processed cheese, and Parmesan cheese; allow to melt. Gradually stir in heavy cream until desired thickness is reached.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 541 calories, Carbohydrate 44.8 g, Cholesterol 90.8 mg, Fat 30.2 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 22.1 g, SaturatedFat 18.3 g, Sodium 1294.1 mg, Sugar 3.3 g
CREAMY BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE - NOT LOW FAT!
Combined a few recipes together and this is the BEST I came up with. Cheesy - Creamy Crusty top and easy to reheat with putting a little bit more milk into and on top of the leftovers and covering with foil putting back into the oven for 1/2 hour
Provided by Cathy Pete
Categories Pasta Shells
Time 50m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Boil noodles according to package.
- After noodles are drained and have cooled for a few minutes, put them in a big bowl and mix with beaten egg.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease 9x13 pan.
- In a pan cook butter, salt, pepper, ground mustard and flour and stir until smooth.
- Remove from heat add milk, return to heat and bring to a boil.
- Boil 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and add cheeses, stir until melted.
- Pour over noodles that are in a bowl stir, pour into greased pan and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until top is golden brown and crusty!
COOKING LIGHT'S CREAMY STOVE-TOP MACARONI AND CHEESE
From the June 2006 issue of Cooking Light magazine and featured in their Dinner Tonight section. This is a simple and quick main dish that is recommended to be served with a 7-Layer salad for a full meal. They suggest assembling the salad while the water comes to a boil for the pasta and making the sauce while the pasta cooks. Quick and easy for a weeknight meal.
Provided by Ms B.
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 40m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, place flour, salt, and pepper in a large saucepan.
- Add milk, stirring with a whisk until well blended. Drop cream cheese by teaspoonfuls into milk mixture; bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat; simmer 2 minutes or until thick and cream cheese melts, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in mustard, Worcestershire, and garlic; simmer 1 minute.
- Remove from heat.
- Add cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese melts.
- Combine pasta and cheese sauce in a large bowl; toss well.
CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE FOR ONE
No need to eat to forego a true comfort food favorite just because you're cooking for one tonite. Try this single serving mac-n-cheese recipe next time you need a taste of home, alone!
Provided by TGirl
Categories Cheese
Time 20m
Yield 1 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In small bowl, combine crushed saltines with 1 tablespoon melted butter.
- In pot, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter, then add flour, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk in milk until smooth and cook for 2 minutes.
- Lower heat and add all remaining ingredients, stirring until cheese is melted.
- Pour into greased 1 cup baking dish (ramiken) and sprinkle with buttered saltine crumbs.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
THE ULTIMATE CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE
There is always room for one more mac & cheese recipe. This newly created version with the addition of ricotta cheese puts a whole new spin on this traditional comfort food. Is this recipe too large for your family? Remember, Mac & Cheese is terrific frozen in serving size portions for use later. Created for RSC 16, and was awarded First Place. My thanks to everyone that reviewed the recipe.
Provided by Diana 2
Categories Macaroni And Cheese
Time 1h5m
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Saute onions, on low heat, in 1 tbsp of butter until just tender, but not brown. Set aside.
- In a large pot, add 1 tbsp salt to the boiling water, and cook pasta until al denta. Drain, but do not rinse.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce.
- In a microwave safe measuring cup, mix the half and half with the milk, and heat for 2 minutes on high, in the microwave. Let sit in the microwave until ready to use. (This step is not crucial, but the sauce will thicken faster when using warmed milk.).
- Preheat oven to 350*. Spray a large casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a medium sized saucepan, using medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter along with the black pepper. Once bubbling, sprinkle with 1/4 cup of flour. Allow a few moments for the fat to absorb the flour, then stir to combine. Carefully stir the warmed cream/milk into the butter/flour mixture and cook until thickened. This generally takes about 10 minutes on my stove.
- Remove from heat, and stir in the onions, hot chili sauce, ricotta cheese, and the 2 cups of shredded cheddar. Stir until the cheddar has melted. Taste, and add the optional salt if needed. Depending on your taste, you may also opt to increase the amount of hot chili sauce as well.
- Pour the sauce over the drained pasta and gently stir. Pour into the prepared casserole dish.
- Mix together 1 tbsp melted butter with the corn flake crumbs. Sprinkle over the pasta and top with the 1/4 cup shredded cheddar.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling.
CREAMY, LIGHT MACARONI AND CHEESE
From the September 2011 Cooking Light (cover recipe). This is the most delicious macaroni and cheese I've ever eaten! No one will know it's full of healthy butternut squash and just the right amount of cheese. This is a true winner! To save time, I bought my butternut squash in the produce section already cut up. Perfect and what a time saver. Use a pasta with a nice shape to cling to all the yummy sauce.
Provided by CaliforniaJan
Categories Macaroni And Cheese
Time 55m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- Combine squash, broth, milk, and garlic in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer until squash is tender when pierced with a fork, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Place the hot squash mixture in a blender. Add salt, pepper, and Greek yogurt. Remove the center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid splatters). Blend until smooth. Place blended squash mixture in a bowl; stir in Gruyère, pecorino Romano, and 2 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano. Stir until combined.
- Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain well. Add pasta to squash mixture, and stir until combined. Spread mixture evenly into a 13 x 9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray.
- Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add panko, and cook for 2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from heat; stir in remaining 2 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the hot pasta mixture. Lightly coat topping with cooking spray.
- Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately.
CREAMY BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
Velveeta, cream cheese, half and half, and egg give this comforting dish a rich, cheesy flavor with a custardy texture. I experimented by combining ideas from several recipes and my whole family was thrilled with the results!
Provided by Marla Swoffer
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 55m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Boil noodles until done.
- While noodles are cooking, grease a rectangular glass casserole dish.
- After noodles are drained and have cooled for a few minutes, put them in casserole dish and mix with beaten egg.
- Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter on medium-low heat and add flour to make a paste.
- Add half and half and bring to a boil on medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat and add velveeta and cream cheese in small chunks.
- Stir and add seasonings (last four ingredients).
- After all the cheese is melted and the sauce has a medium thick consistency (you may need to play around with the half and half or milk to get the consistency you prefer), pour it over the noodles.
- Stir noodles with sauce until they are combined.
- Sprinkle parmesan over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for 30-45 minutes (I wait until it's a little browned).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1019, Fat 66.2, SaturatedFat 41.1, Cholesterol 257.5, Sodium 2062.8, Carbohydrate 69.5, Fiber 2.4, Sugar 8.7, Protein 36.8
MACARONI AND CHEESE, RICH AND CREAMY
The original of this recipe was found in the 17 Oct 2009 issue of Family Circle magazine and the combo of three cheeses makes for a very comforting meal!
Provided by Sydney Mike
Categories Penne
Time 40m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Coat a 2-quart broiler-safe baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boiling; add penne.
- Cook penne for 6 minutes; drain.
- In a large bowl, toss together the cheddar, gruyere and asiago cheeses; set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a medium-size saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat; whisk in flour until smooth and slightly bubbly.
- In a thin stream, whisk in the milk; stir in onion powder, salt and cayenne pepper.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and whisk in 2-1/2 cups of the cheese mixture.
- In a pasta pot, stir together the cooked penne and the cheese sauce.
- Pour half of mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle with a generous cup of the cheese.
- Spoon in the remaining penne and top with the remaining cheese sauce.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Increase the oven temperature to broil and cook another 3 minutes or until the top is lightly browned.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Tips:
- Use a high-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor. A sharp cheddar will give you a more intense flavor, while a mild cheddar will be more subtle.
- Grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese. This will help the cheese melt more smoothly and evenly.
- Use a combination of milk and cream for a richer, creamier sauce. You can also use all milk or all cream, but the sauce will be thinner and less flavorful.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste. You can also add other spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika, to taste.
- Cook the macaroni until it is al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the sauce.
- Stir the macaroni and cheese frequently while it is cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Serve the macaroni and cheese immediately, while it is still hot and bubbly. You can garnish it with grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or crumbled bacon.
Conclusion:
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It is easy to make and can be customized to your own taste. With a few simple tips, you can make the best macaroni and cheese that you have ever tasted. So next time you are craving a cheesy, gooey meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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