Indulge in the classic comfort food, macaroni and cheese, with a homemade twist. This article presents a collection of delectable macaroni and cheese recipes that cater to various preferences and dietary needs. From the traditional baked macaroni and cheese to lighter skillet versions and even a vegan alternative, these recipes offer a delightful culinary adventure. Each recipe is carefully crafted with detailed instructions, ensuring that both experienced cooks and beginners can easily replicate these cheesy masterpieces. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a journey of cheesy goodness that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Here are our top 12 tried and tested recipes!
SIMPLE MACARONI AND CHEESE
A very quick and easy fix to a tasty side-dish. Fancy, designer mac and cheese often costs forty or fifty dollars to prepare when you have so many exotic and expensive cheeses, but they aren't always the best tasting. This recipe is cheap and tasty.
Provided by g0dluvsugly
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth, about 5 minutes. Slowly pour milk into butter-flour mixture while continuously stirring until mixture is smooth and bubbling, about 5 minutes. Add Cheddar cheese to milk mixture and stir until cheese is melted, 2 to 4 minutes.
- Fold macaroni into cheese sauce until coated.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 630.2 calories, Carbohydrate 55 g, Cholesterol 99.6 mg, Fat 33.6 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 26.5 g, SaturatedFat 20.9 g, Sodium 777 mg, Sugar 7.6 g
MACARONI & CHEESE
The secret to a good, baked macaroni and cheese is a crispy top that covers a soft, creamy bottom. Get The Pioneer Woman's mac and cheese recipe here.
Categories comfort food dinner main dish side dish snack
Time 30m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook the macaroni until very firm. The macaroni should be too firm to eat right out of the pot. Drain.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg.
- In a large pot, melt the butter and sprinkle in the flour. Whisk together over medium-low heat. Cook the mixture for 5 minutes, whisking constantly. Don't let it burn. Pour in the milk, add the mustard, and whisk until smooth. Cook for 5 minutes until very thick. Reduce the heat to low.
- Take 1/4 cup of the sauce and slowly pour it into the beaten egg, whisking constantly to avoid cooking the egg. Whisk together till smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture into the sauce, whisking constantly. Stir until smooth. Add in the cheese and stir to melt. Add the salt, seasoned salt and pepper. Taste the sauce and add more salt and seasoned salt as needed! DO NOT UNDERSALT. Pour in the drained, cooked macaroni and stir to combine. Serve immediately (very creamy) or pour into a buttered baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350˚ for 20 to 25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
DAD'S HOMEMADE MACARONI AND CHEESE
This is a recipe my dad got from my step mom's sister sometime last year. He made it for Christmas '08, and it was some of the best homemade macaroni I have ever had.
Provided by Ransomed by Fire
Categories Cheese
Time 1h
Yield 1 pan, 10-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cook macaroni and drain.
- Mix all ingredients except paprika and 2 cups Mexican blend or cheddar cheese in a 2-quart baking dish.
- Top with remaining 2 cups cheese.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until done.
- Recipe can be halved and cooked in a 9x9 pan.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 353.9, Fat 20.3, SaturatedFat 12.2, Cholesterol 127.6, Sodium 891.1, Carbohydrate 22.8, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 3.6, Protein 19.6
DAD PAGE'S MACARONI AND CHEESE
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 2h10m
Yield 2 to 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 24
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until they are softened, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns light brown, about 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk. Add the paprika, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring, until the sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes. Add the cheeses and stir until they are melted. Add the macaroni and stir until the noodles are thoroughly coated. Remove from heat. Butter two 6-inch cast iron skillets or one 12-inch skillet. Transfer the macaroni mixture into the skillets. Top with the sliced tomatoes. Sprinkle the bread crumbs on top. Bake until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Garnish with chopped herbs.
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Spread the cubes of bread on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until golden brown, about 15 minutes.
- Place the butter, garlic, and herbs in a small saucepan and heat over low heat until the butter is melted. Toss the toasted bread with the butter mixture in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Process the bread in 2 batches in a food processor until you have fine crumbs. Sift the crumbs through a mesh strainer and process the larger crumbs again until all are fine. (If you do not have a food processor, crush the bread on the baking sheet with a rolling pin.)
MAC DADDY MAC N' CHEESE
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place shallots and garlic in a small aluminum foil pouch and drizzle with olive oil. Roast 20 to 30 minutes or until tender. Remove from foil and chop. In a large saute pan, reheat reserved bacon fat over medium heat. Add roasted shallot and garlic and saute for 1 minute. Add flour and stir for 1 minute. Whisk in heavy cream and thyme. Reduce by a third. Stir in cheeses until melted, creamy and thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and gently stir in pasta. Place in a 9X13 casserole dish. In a small bowl, mix together diced bacon, bread crumbs, butter and parsley. Top Mac n Cheese with Panko mixture and bake uncovered at same heat until bubbling and lightly browned on top, 20 to 25 minutes.
OLD FASHIONED MACARONI AND CHEESE
This has been one of my favorite side dishes. Make it a meal by adding leftover ham or some smoked sausage.
Provided by Douglas Poe
Categories Weeknight
Time 1h10m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Combine cooked macaroni, butter, cheese, salt and pepper.
- Place in a greased 1 1/2 quart baking dish.
- Combine eggs and milk; pour over macaroni.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes.
AMERICAN STYLE MAC AND CHEESE
An indulgent American style Mac and cheese, great for sharing as a side dish at family gatherings.
Provided by Derek Smith 4
Time 50m
Yield Serves 6
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and reserve.
- Preheat oven to 175 degrees C (350 degrees F)
- In a large sauce pan, melt 4 tablespoons butter or margarine over medium heat. Add flour and some ground black pepper to taste; stirring until paste-like consistency.
- Add milk to mixture and stir continually until mixture starts to thicken; slowly stir in cheese 1 cup at a time until all cheese is melted.
- Add double cream
- Pour cheese mixture over macaroni. Mix well and pour into a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Place bread pieces on top of macaroni mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Melt 4 tablespoons butter or margarine and pour over bread.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Serve.
SOUTHERN MACARONI AND CHEESE
There is macaroni and cheese, and then there is special occasion macaroni and cheese like this one. Unlike most recipes, which start with a roux, this one begins with a milk-and-egg base, which gives the dish an incredibly rich, silky taste. It's adapted from Millie Peartree, the owner of Millie Peartree Fish Fry & Soul Food restaurant in the Bronx, who has been making this dish since she was a little girl. The recipe was passed down in her family for generations, but because of the generous amount of cheese used, the dish was only made for events like Christmas and Thanksgiving. Extra-sharp Cheddar adds tartness and a layer of Colby Jack creates a gooey, molten center. If you can't find a Colby Jack blend, shredded mozzarella or a Mexican-style blend will work in its place.
Provided by Kiera Wright-Ruiz
Categories dinner, weeknight, casseroles, noodles, pastas, main course, side dish
Time 45m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions until a little under al dente, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk milk and eggs. Add cooked macaroni, 2 cups extra-sharp Cheddar, melted butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and stir until well combined.
- Add half the macaroni mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish in an even layer. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups Colby Jack evenly on top. Spread the remaining macaroni mixture on top in an even layer. Cover with aluminum foil, transfer to the middle rack of the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven. Carefully remove and discard the aluminum foil. Top the macaroni mixture with the remaining 2 cups Cheddar and 1/2 cup Colby Jack. Broil on top rack until cheese is browned in spots, 3 to 5 minutes. (The broiled cheese can go from golden to burnt fairly quickly, so keep a close eye on it.)
- Remove from oven and let cool until the macaroni and cheese is fully set, 10 to 15 minutes. (The mixture may first appear jiggly, but it will firm up as it cools.) Serve warm.
MACARONI AND CHEESE
When it comes to comfort food, nothing tops mac 'n' cheese, especially Martha's easy-to-make version.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Pasta and Grains
Yield Serves 12
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 3-quart casserole dish; set aside. Place bread in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Pour butter into bowl with bread, and toss. Set breadcrumbs aside.
- In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, heat milk. Melt remaining 6 tablespoons butter in a high-sided skillet over medium heat. When butter bubbles, add flour. Cook, whisking, 1 minute.
- While whisking, slowly pour in hot milk. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the mixture bubbles and becomes thick.
- Remove pan from heat. Stir in salt, nutmeg, black pepper, cayenne pepper, 3 cups cheddar cheese, and 1 1/2 cups Gruyere or 1 cup Pecorino Romano; set cheese sauce aside.
- Fill a large saucepan with water; bring to a boil. Add macaroni; cook 2 to 3 minutes less than manufacturer's directions, until the outside of pasta is cooked and the inside is underdone. (Different brands of macaroni cook at different rates; be sure to read the instructions.) Transfer macaroni to a colander, rinse under cold running water, and drain well. Stir macaroni into the reserved cheese sauce
- Pour mixture into prepared dish. Sprinkle remaining 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup Gruyere or 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano, and breadcrumbs over top. Bake until browned on top, about 30 minutes. Transfer dish to a wire rack to cool 5 minutes; serve hot.
HOMEMADE MAC AND CHEESE
This is a nice rich mac and cheese. Serve with a salad for a great meatless dinner. Hope you enjoy it.
Provided by Judy
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 50m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to the package directions. Drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter or margarine over medium heat. Stir in enough flour to make a roux. Add milk to roux slowly, stirring constantly. Stir in cheeses, and cook over low heat until cheese is melted and the sauce is a little thick. Put macaroni in large casserole dish, and pour sauce over macaroni. Stir well.
- Melt butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and brown. Spread over the macaroni and cheese to cover. Sprinkle with a little paprika.
- Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 858.2 calories, Carbohydrate 66.7 g, Cholesterol 141.6 mg, Fat 48.7 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 37.7 g, SaturatedFat 29.9 g, Sodium 879.3 mg, Sugar 10.7 g
CHEF JOHN'S MACARONI AND CHEESE
This easy-to-make old-school macaroni and cheese has a perfectly crispy crust.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through but still slightly firm, about 8 minutes. Drain well.
- Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. When the butter starts to foam and bubble, stir in the flour; cook on medium heat until flour just begins to turn pale yellow, 3 to 4 minutes. Add thyme, cayenne pepper, and white pepper; cook and stir another minute, then whisk in 1 cup of milk until smooth. Pour in remaining milk and whisk again. Bring the sauce just to a simmer.
- Stir in nutmeg, Worcestershire sauce, and salt; simmer on medium-low heat until thickened, about 8 minutes, whisking often. Turn heat off, then add 2 1/4 cups of Cheddar cheese; stir until melted and combined. Add Dijon mustard.
- Transfer the macaroni into a casserole dish, then pour in the cheese sauce; stir to thoroughly combine sauce with pasta. Mix panko bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon melted butter in a small bowl, and sprinkle crumbs on top of macaroni and cheese. Sprinkle remaining 3/4 cup of Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until bread crumbs and Cheddar cheese topping are golden brown, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 694.8 calories, Carbohydrate 72.8 g, Cholesterol 94.5 mg, Fat 32.3 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 29.4 g, SaturatedFat 19.9 g, Sodium 928.4 mg, Sugar 8.1 g
DADS FAVORITE MAC AND CHEESE
Make and share this Dads Favorite Mac and Cheese recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Dad_Cooks
Categories Cheese
Time 50m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cook pasta as per package directions.
- Combine butter and flour in a medium saucepan and melt on low to medium heat.
- Add half of the milk and cheese to saucepan and stir until melted.
- Add the rest of the milk and cheese to saucepan and stir until melted.
- Place pasta in baking dish and pour cheese sauce over pasta and then stir.
- Salt and pepper to taste and top with bread crumbs if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 30 mins at 350.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Freshly grated cheese, real butter, and whole milk will make a big difference.
- Don't overcook the pasta. It should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
- Make sure the cheese sauce is thick and creamy. If it's too thin, add more cheese or cornstarch.
- Season the macaroni and cheese to taste. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are all good options.
- Top the macaroni and cheese with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a crispy topping.
- Bake the macaroni and cheese until it's golden brown and bubbly.
Conclusion:
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This recipe is a great way to make a homemade version of this dish that is sure to please everyone at your table. With a few simple tips, you can make a macaroni and cheese that is creamy, cheesy, and delicious.
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