Indulge in a creamy, cheesy delight with our collection of macaroni and cheese recipes, perfect for an effortless weeknight dinner. From the classic stovetop version to baked variations and even a slow cooker option, we have something for every taste and occasion. Each recipe is crafted with a blend of rich cheeses, velvety sauces, and tender macaroni, ensuring a satisfying and comforting meal. Explore the diverse range of flavors, from traditional cheddar to unique combinations like bacon and jalapeño, or broccoli and cauliflower. Whether you prefer a crispy golden crust or a smooth, gooey center, our recipes cater to your cravings. Discover the perfect macaroni and cheese dish to warm your soul and bring joy to your dinner table.
Let's cook with our recipes!
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.
HOMEMADE MAC AND CHEESE CASSEROLE
This homemade Mac and Cheese Casserole is the best you've ever had. Tender noodles in a velvety sauce make the perfectly irresistible dish!!
Provided by Holly Nilsson
Categories Casserole Dinner Entree Main Course Pasta
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Cook macaroni al dente (firm) according to package directions. Drain and run under cold water.
- Melt butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Whisk in flour and let cook 2 minutes while stirring. Slowly whisk in milk, cream, mustard powder, onion powder, salt & pepper to taste. Cook over medium heat while stirring until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese & 3 cups cheddar cheese until melted. Add soup if using.
- Toss cheese sauce & macaroni noodles together. Pour into a greased 9×13 pan. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake 18-24 minutes or until bubbly. Do not over cook. Cool 10-15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 539 kcal, Carbohydrate 39 g, Protein 24 g, Fat 32 g, SaturatedFat 20 g, Cholesterol 98 mg, Sodium 529 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 4 g, TransFat 1 g, UnsaturatedFat 10 g, ServingSize 1 serving
EASY WEEKNIGHT MAC AND CHEESE 4 WAYS
A classic, creamy macaroni and cheese. Take it to the next level with Almond Breeze almondmilk and delicious toppings the whole family will love.
Provided by Almond Breeze
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Almond Breeze
Time 35m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 24
Steps:
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions, about 8 minutes.
- While macaroni is cooking, melt butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Whisk in Almond Breeze almondmilk and stock and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. Stir in mustard, onion powder, and garlic salt.
- Add cheese a little at a time, cooking and stirring until melted before adding more. Season with pepper. Drain macaroni well and stir in. Cook for 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally.
- For Sausage and Pepper topping: Cook sausage and onion in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until sausage is browned and onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in bell pepper and thyme; cook and stir for 2 minutes more to soften peppers. Serve over hot Weeknight Mac and Cheese.
- For Riced Veggie and Bacon topping: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add bacon and cook for 2 minutes more. Stir in riced veggies; cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes to soften. Season with garlic salt. Serve over hot Weeknight Mac and Cheese.
- For Pepperoni and Veggie Pizza topping: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and pepperoni and cook until both are lightly browned, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes. Stir in bell pepper; cook and stir for 2 minutes to soften. Stir in olives, if desired. Spoon over hot Weeknight Mac and Cheese.
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
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
CREAMY BAKED MACARONI
This old-fashioned macaroni casserole gets a different twist, thanks to Gouda cheese. It bakes up nice and creamy with just a hint of zip from the hot sauce. It's comfort food at its yummiest.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 45m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain. In a large bowl, combine the soup, milk, chives, mustard and hot pepper sauce. Stir in macaroni and cheese. , Spoon into a greased shallow 2-qt. baking dish. Combine bread crumbs and butter; sprinkle over the top. Bake, uncovered, until heated through and bubbly, 25-30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 272 calories, Fat 15g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 47mg cholesterol, Sodium 678mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 13g protein.
Tips:
- Use a large pot to cook the pasta so that it has plenty of room to expand.
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions, until it is al dente (still slightly firm to the bite).
- Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened.
- Stir in the cheese until it is melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta and stir to coat.
- Season the mac and cheese with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the mac and cheese immediately, garnished with additional cheese, parsley, or bread crumbs.
Conclusion:
This creamy weeknight macaroni and cheese is a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and satisfying dish on the table in no time. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, give this mac and cheese a try. You won't be disappointed!
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