Macaroni and cheese, a classic dish loved by people of all ages, is a delectable combination of tender pasta, a creamy and cheesy sauce, and a golden-brown crust. Originating in the United States, this dish has become a staple in many households and restaurants worldwide. Our article presents a collection of easy-to-follow recipes that cater to various dietary preferences and tastes.
From the traditional stovetop macaroni and cheese to the convenience of an instant pot version, we've got you covered. For those with dietary restrictions, we offer a gluten-free recipe that uses alternative pasta and a dairy-free option that swaps out the milk and cheese for plant-based alternatives. And if you're looking for a unique twist, our baked macaroni and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping is sure to impress. Each recipe includes step-by-step instructions, cooking times, and helpful tips to ensure a perfect mac and cheese experience every time. So, whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, let's embark on a culinary journey and discover the cheesy goodness that awaits.
EASY CREAMY MAC 'N CHEESE
Our recipe for Easy Creamy Mac 'N Cheese has only 5 ingredients and is on the table in less than 30 minutes. What's not to love about that?! Whether you serve it on the side or as a main dish, it's comfort food that the whole family will love.
Provided by Country Crock®
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Country Crock®
Time 20m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Cook pasta in large pot according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, whisk milk, Country Crock® Spread, and flour in large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently. Reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in cheese until melted; remove from heat. Drain pasta and fold into the sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 292.3 calories, Carbohydrate 33.1 g, Cholesterol 34.5 mg, Fat 11.2 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 14.2 g, SaturatedFat 6.8 g, Sodium 202.7 mg, Sugar 4 g
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
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.
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
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).
CREAM-CHEESY MACARONI AND CHEESE
Make and share this Cream-Cheesy Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Food.com.
Provided by LorenLou
Categories Cheese
Time 45m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Spray a 9x13" glass casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions, in a large pot.
- Drain, rinse, and return to the large pot.
- Set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour, and cook until bubbly (about a minute).
- Add the milk slowly, stirring after each addition and cook until slightly thickened.
- Add the cream cheese, again stirring until completely melted.
- Season with salt.
- Remove from heat.
- Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the pasta, stirring gently to combine.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring to combine.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, top with bread crumbs if desired, and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 425.1, Fat 24.7, SaturatedFat 13.7, Cholesterol 69.1, Sodium 361.4, Carbohydrate 33, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 1.8, Protein 17.6
Tips:
- Use quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will greatly impact the flavor of your mac and cheese. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a classic flavor, or experiment with other cheeses such as Gruyère, Parmesan, or Fontina. You can also use a combination of cheeses to create a unique flavor profile.
- Cook the pasta al dente: Al dente pasta is slightly firm to the bite and will hold its shape better in the mac and cheese. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and can make the dish too heavy.
- Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the sauce. A roux will help to create a smooth and creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Use milk or cream: Milk or cream is used to create the sauce for the mac and cheese. Whole milk will create a richer and creamier sauce, while skim milk will create a lighter sauce. You can also use a combination of milk and cream to create a sauce with the desired consistency.
- Season the sauce: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. You can also add additional ingredients to the sauce, such as cooked bacon, diced vegetables, or herbs.
- Top with breadcrumbs or cheese: Before baking, top the mac and cheese with breadcrumbs or grated cheese. This will create a golden brown and crispy topping.
- Bake until bubbly: Bake the mac and cheese until it is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. The baking time will vary depending on the size of the dish and the oven temperature.
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 customized to suit your own taste preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious and creamy mac and cheese that will be a hit at your next potluck or family gathering.
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