Best 2 Creamy Makeover Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

Indulge in a creamy and cheesy culinary delight with our curated collection of macaroni and cheese recipes. From the classic stovetop version to innovative variations like baked, slow-cooker, and air fryer renditions, we have something for every palate and occasion. Whether you prefer a simple, comforting dish or a gourmet extravaganza, our recipes will guide you through the process of creating a creamy masterpiece. With options ranging from traditional cheddar to unique flavor combinations, our macaroni and cheese recipes promise an explosion of flavors that will satisfy your cravings and leave you yearning for more.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

MAKEOVER CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE

Makeover Creamy Macaroni and Cheese image

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

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups fat-free milk
1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup fat-free sour cream
1/2 pound reduced-fat process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
Minced chives, optional

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 MAKEOVER MACARONI AND CHEESE

Creamy Makeover Macaroni and Cheese image

Your family will love the rich, creamy flavor of this mac & cheese recipe-and you'll feel good knowing we were able to slash the saturated fat of the original recipe. -April Taylor, Grafenwoehr, Germany

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups fat-free half-and-half
2 cups fat-free milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
TOPPING:
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
5 cups cubed bread
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

Steps:

Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Combine flour and half-and-half; stir into pan. Add milk and seasonings. Bring to a gentle boil; remove from the heat. Stir in cheese until melted. Drain macaroni; add to the cheese sauce and stir to coat., Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. In a large skillet, saute onion in butter until tender. Add bread; saute 2-3 minutes longer. Sprinkle bread mixture and cheese over macaroni mixture. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 432 calories, Fat 15g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 41mg cholesterol, Sodium 526mg sodium, Carbohydrate 55g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 21g protein.

Tips:

Use a good quality cheese. The better the cheese, the better the mac and cheese will be. A blend of cheddar and Parmesan is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with other cheeses, such as Gruyère, fontina, or Gouda.
Cook the macaroni al dente. This means that it should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked macaroni will make the mac and cheese mushy.
Make a roux. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the sauce. It will help to give the mac and cheese a creamy and smooth texture.
Use milk or cream. Milk will give the mac and cheese a lighter texture, while cream will make it richer and more decadent. You can also use a combination of milk and cream.
Season the mac and cheese well. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are all good choices. You can also add other spices, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or chipotle powder, to taste.
Add mix-ins. Once the mac and cheese is cooked, you can add mix-ins, such as cooked chicken, bacon, vegetables, or herbs. This will give the mac and cheese more flavor and texture.
Top the mac and cheese with breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese before baking. This will give it a golden brown and crispy topping.
Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the cheese to set.

Conclusion:

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your own taste. With a few simple tips, you can make the best mac and cheese that you have ever tasted.