Best 2 Crusty Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

Indulge in a culinary classic with a delightful twist. Our macaroni and cheese recipe collection offers a range of irresistible dishes, each bursting with flavor and sure to satisfy every palate. From the classic baked macaroni and cheese, featuring a golden crust and gooey interior, to the innovative air fryer macaroni and cheese, which delivers a crispy exterior and a tender, creamy center, we've got you covered. Get ready to embark on a cheesy adventure with our diverse selection of macaroni and cheese recipes, perfect for any occasion.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CRUSTY MACARONI AND CHEESE

Crusty Macaroni and Cheese image

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

Provided by chia2160

Categories Cheese

Time 1h10m

Yield 8-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter
12 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
12 ounces American cheese or 12 ounces cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
1 lb elbow macaroni, boiled in salted water until just tender, drained, and rinsed under cold water
1/8 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
salt
2/3 cup whole milk

Steps:

Heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use one tablespoon butter to thickly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
Combine grated cheeses and set aside two heaping cups for topping.
In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, cheeses, cayenne (if using) and salt to taste. Place mixture in prepared pan and evenly pour milk over surface.
Sprinkle reserved cheese on top; dot with remaining butter.
Bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes.
Raise heat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake 15 to 20 minutes more, until crusty on top and bottom.

CRUSTY BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE

Crusty Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

I happen to love a "crusty" top on my Baked Macaroni and Cheese, so came up with the following variation as an alternative to the "creamy" variety. I use Ziti or Rigatoni, instead of elbow macaroni, for a chewier texture. I also do one layer of the pasta and the cheese in as large a shallow casserole (glass, ceramic, rectangular metal pan) as needed, to get as much "cheese crust" as possible. You can easily double, triple, etc. the recipe, in which case I do two layers of macaroni with butter and cheese over each layer.

Provided by NYTX29

Categories Cheese

Time 45m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

1/2 lb ziti pasta or 1/2 lb rigatoni pasta
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons butter
salt and pepper
3 -4 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Steps:

Pre-heat oven to 400ºF.
Boil pasta al dente.
Drain and put the pasta in one layer in a large shallow casserole.
Whisk the milk and flour until well blended. Salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the milk & flour mixture over the pasta.
Dot the butter all over the pasta.
Sprinkle the cheese over the top of the pasta to cover it fully.
Bake for 30-40 minutes until top is browned and crusty.
If desired, after about 20 minutes, you can put the casserole under the broiler to brown the top faster.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 765.5, Fat 47.5, SaturatedFat 29.7, Cholesterol 143, Sodium 729.4, Carbohydrate 49.6, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 1.5, Protein 34.6

Tips:

Use a variety of cheeses. This will give your macaroni and cheese a more complex flavor. Try using a combination of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses.
Cook the macaroni al dente. This means that it should be cooked until it is just tender, but not mushy. This will help the macaroni hold its shape and prevent it from becoming too soft.
Make a roux. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the cheese sauce. This will help the sauce become smooth and creamy.
Season the cheese sauce. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. You can also add other spices, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or chipotle powder.
Top the macaroni and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping. This will give the dish a nice crunchy texture.
Bake the macaroni and cheese until it is golden brown and bubbly. This will ensure that the cheese sauce is melted and the topping is crispy.

Conclusion:

This classic comfort food is sure to please everyone at your table. With its creamy cheese sauce, crispy breadcrumb topping, and perfect macaroni, this macaroni and cheese is a definite crowd-pleaser. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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