Best 16 Easy Mac And Cheese Recipes

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Mac and cheese, a classic comfort food enjoyed by people of all ages, is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit different tastes and preferences. This beloved casserole is made with a simple combination of macaroni pasta, cheese sauce, and often breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese for a crispy topping. The cheese sauce, the heart of mac and cheese, can be made with various types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of different cheeses, creating a range of flavor profiles. This article presents a collection of easy mac and cheese recipes that cater to various dietary preferences and cooking styles. From the classic stovetop method to oven-baked variations, and even a healthier version made with whole wheat pasta and low-fat cheese, these recipes offer something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a cheese lover seeking a gooey, indulgent experience or someone looking for a healthier take on this timeless dish, you're sure to find a recipe that satisfies your cravings.

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

EASY TACO MAC AND CHEESE



Easy Taco Mac and Cheese image

This is a simple macaroni and cheese recipe with a taco twist. There are multiple ways to mix it up and leave out or use ingredients that you do or don't have. Would love feedback on ways you have mixed it up and what tasted best! Thank you for using. When serving, you can also top the dish with lettuce, tomato, onions, and sour cream.

Provided by Sarah Jayne Jeffries

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h1m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (16 ounce) package ground beef
2 cups salsa
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 cups shell pasta
2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup sliced green onions
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease. Add salsa, corn, and taco seasoning. Season meat sauce with salt and pepper.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in pasta and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain.
  • Combine the meat sauce, pasta, Colby-Jack cheese, and green onions in a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle Cheddar cheese on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted, about 25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 379.8 calories, Carbohydrate 30.8 g, Cholesterol 66.1 mg, Fat 19.9 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 21.4 g, SaturatedFat 11.2 g, Sodium 965.5 mg, Sugar 4.3 g

EASY MAC AND CHEESE MUFFINS



Easy Mac and Cheese Muffins image

This takes a fun approach to the traditional mac and cheese recipe. Kids can eat it like a muffin and with their hands, making it a new mac and cheese experience!

Provided by joplin_7_7_7

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon butter
1 egg, beaten
1 cup milk
1 ½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
2 teaspoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. In a small bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, olive oil and salt; set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for about 8 minutes, it should still be a little bit firm. Remove from the heat, drain and return to the pan; stir in the butter and egg until pasta is evenly coated. Reserve 1/2 cup of sharp Cheddar cheese and stir the remaining Cheddar cheese, milk and mozzarella cheese into the pasta. Spoon into the prepared muffin tin. Sprinkle the reserved cheese and the bread crumb mixture over the tops.
  • Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the topping is nicely browned. Allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan. This will allow the cheese to set and they will hold their muffin shape.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 208.5 calories, Carbohydrate 18 g, Cholesterol 43.6 mg, Fat 10 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 11.1 g, SaturatedFat 5.6 g, Sodium 382 mg, Sugar 2 g

IMPOSSIBLY EASY MAC AND CHEESE PIE



Impossibly Easy Mac and Cheese Pie image

Save time! Try a delicious version of mac 'n cheese where you don't have to precook the mac!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni (3 1/2 oz)
1/2 cup Bisquick™ Original baking mix
2 1/4 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon red pepper sauce
2 eggs

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 9-inch glass pie plate with cooking spray. Place uncooked macaroni in pie plate. Sprinkle with 1 3/4 cups of the cheese.
  • In medium bowl, stir remaining ingredients with wire whisk or fork until blended. Pour into pie plate.
  • Spray sheet of foil with cooking spray; place sprayed side down over pie plate. Bake 40 minutes. Uncover; bake 8 to 10 minutes longer or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Bake 1 to 2 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 360, Carbohydrate 30 g, Cholesterol 120 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 1 g, Protein 18 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 420 mg, Sugar 6 g, TransFat 1 g

EASY MAC AND CHEESE PIZZA



Easy Mac and Cheese Pizza image

We loved Cici's pizza so much that we made our own mac and cheese pizza! It is quick and easy!

Provided by JMU Jen

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pizza Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (12 inch) pre-baked pizza crust
¾ cup cavatappi (corkscrew macaroni)
⅔ (16 ounce) jar cheese sauce (such as Ragu® Double Cheddar), divided, or as needed
1 tablespoon butter
salt and ground black pepper to taste
½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Place pizza crust on a baking sheet.
  • Bring a small pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook cavatappi in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but firm to the bite, 10 to 11 minutes. Drain and return pasta to the pot.
  • Stir 1/2 the cheese sauce and butter into the cavatappi pot over medium heat until butter is melted and pasta-cheese mixture is combined. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Spread a thin layer of cheese sauce over the pizza crust. Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the cheese sauce onto the crust. Pour pasta-cheese mixture over the Cheddar cheese, and top with another 1/2 the cheese sauce.
  • Bake pizza in the preheated oven until golden and bubbling, 8 to 10 minutes. Let rest for 2 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 583.9 calories, Carbohydrate 64.6 g, Cholesterol 59.5 mg, Fat 26 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 25.9 g, SaturatedFat 12.6 g, Sodium 1088.7 mg, Sugar 4.5 g

SUNNY'S EASY CHIPOTLE CHICKEN BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



Sunny's Easy Chipotle Chicken Baked Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Sunny Anderson

Categories     side-dish

Time 3h20m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

One 7-ounce can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, split
3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon butter or butter-flavored cooking spray, for coating the casserole dish
Kosher salt
16 ounces penne pasta
4 cups heavy cream
16 ounces shredded cheese blend (Mexican or taco blend)
1 1/3 cups Mexican crema
2 tablespoons all-purpose or wheat flour
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
4 scallions, white and green parts, finely chopped
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup crushed corn tortilla chips (just about the texture of sand)
8 ounces shredded cheese blend (Mexican or taco blend)

Steps:

  • For the chicken and pasta: Remove 4 to 5 chipotle peppers and a bit of adobo sauce from the can and rub it all over the chicken; measure out 2 tablespoons of the adobo sauce and set aside for later (reserve any remaining chiles and adobo sauce from the can for another use). Rest the chicken in a bowl or on a plate for 2 hours total, refrigerated first for 1 1/2 hours, then at room temperature for an additional 30 minutes.
  • In a large pot, add the garlic, chicken and the chipotle peppers from the marinade. Add just enough water to cover, then bring to a boil on medium high. Once boiling, turn the heat to the lowest setting and poach the chicken until cooked through, about 15 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and rest (reserve the poaching water for cooking the pasta). Fish out the peppers and discard them; place the garlic cloves in a large bowl and smash them with the back of a spoon or your hands. Once the chicken is cool enough to touch, shred it by hand into bite-size pieces.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Use the butter or cooking spray to coat the bottom and sides of a 13-by-9-inch casserole dish.
  • In the same pot used to poach the chicken, add more water to the poaching water and a nice pinch of salt and bring the pot back to a boil (watch the water; it may foam up a bit from the poaching process). Add the pasta and cook 1 minute less than the package suggests. Drain the pasta in a colander.
  • For the sauce: In the large bowl with the garlic, add the heavy cream, cheese, crema, flour, pepper, scallions, eggs, reserved 2 tablespoons adobo sauce, shredded chicken and cooked pasta. Stir to combine. Pour into the prepared dish.
  • For the topping: In a medium bowl, toss together the crushed chips and cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dish. Bake, uncovered, until golden brown on top, about 30 minutes.

EASY MAC AND CHEESE VEGGIE CHICKEN CASSEROLE FROM COUNTRY CROCK®



Easy Mac and Cheese Veggie Chicken Casserole from Country Crock® image

Cooked pasta is combined with cheese, diced cooked chicken, and veggies then popped in the oven for a quick, family-pleasing, one-dish dinner.

Provided by Country Crock®

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Country Crock®

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 tablespoons Country Crock® Spread, melted, divided
1 cup 2% milk
8 ounces dry rotini pasta, cooked and drained
2 cups diced cooked chicken
4 cups assorted frozen vegetables, thawed
2 ¼ cups finely shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese
¼ cup plain dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Combine 3 tablespoons Country Crock® Spread, milk, rotini, chicken, vegetables and cheddar cheese in 8-inch baking dish.
  • Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and remaining Spread in small bowl; sprinkle over top of casserole.
  • Bake until heated through and crumbs are toasted, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 413.7 calories, Carbohydrate 47.1 g, Cholesterol 36.3 mg, Fat 12.4 g, Fiber 5.8 g, Protein 29.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.4 g, Sodium 466.4 mg, Sugar 3.6 g

EASY MEXICAN MAC AND CHEESE



Easy Mexican Mac and Cheese image

Creamy, cheesy, spicy...and cooks up easily in your crockpot even if you don't have a kitchen. At your desk at work? Yes! Anywhere with an electrical outlet! This is not one of those "dump and go" recipes as you can't leave your crockpot unattended, but a tastier alternative to boxed mac and cheese. It is not, however, better texture or taste than from-scratch mac and cheese on the stove. This recipe was created for a crockpot cooking contest and truthfully, you will love it even more it you make the recipe in a pot on the stove. You can always transfer to a crockpot for party-style serving. Enjoy!

Provided by FLKeysJen

Categories     Cheese

Time 2h5m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
1/2 cup mexican lager beer (such as Corona)
4 slices bacon, diced
10 ounces rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (not drained)
8 ounces cream cheese
2 cups milk
12 ounces monterey jack pepper cheese, cubed (I used one and a half 8 oz. blocks of KRAFT Natural Pepper Jack)
green onion, sliced
tortilla chips, crushed

Steps:

  • SPRAY crockpot with cooking spray.
  • DUMP pasta, then all other ingredients (except garnishes) in your crockpot.
  • COOK ON HIGH for at least 45 minutes without disturbing; from that point on, stir every half hour or so, checking to see if the pasta is done (based on the reviews it can take anywhere between 45 minutes and two hours). When your pasta is cooked, proceed to Step #4.
  • SERVE -- topped generously with green onions and crushed tortilla chips! Be sure to turn off the crockpot or switch to the warm setting, so the pasta doesn't get mushy.

EASY MAC AND CHEESE SOUP



Easy Mac and Cheese Soup image

This easy soup recipe is a hit with the kids. Serve it with crusty grilled sandwiches!

Provided by REBECKAH MACFIE

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Noodle Soup Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (14 ounce) package uncooked macaroni and cheese
1 cup chopped broccoli
½ cup chopped onion
1 cup water
2 ½ cups milk
1 (11 ounce) can condensed cream of Cheddar cheese soup
1 cup cubed cooked ham

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain. Do not stir in the sauce.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine broccoli, onion and water. Bring to a boil and cook until broccoli is tender. Stir in macaroni, cheese mixture from package, milk, soup and ham. Return to a boil briefly. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 421.7 calories, Carbohydrate 55.7 g, Cholesterol 41.8 mg, Fat 12.9 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 20.9 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 1248.2 mg, Sugar 12.7 g

EASY CHEESY MAC AND CHEESE (WITH OPTIONAL CRUNCHY TOPPING)



Easy Cheesy Mac And Cheese (With Optional Crunchy Topping) image

I have made baked macaroni and cheese since I was little. I stumbled upon this recipe through experimentation and then modified until I love it! I even brought this to a party with a bunch of people from around the US, and no one could believe it was so easy to make! It tastes exactly the same! Not only is it super easy to make, the clean-up is quick!

Provided by PANTHERA

Categories     Side Dish

Time 53m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
4 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
1 (15 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
2 tablespoons mustard
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (such as RO*TEL®), drained
½ cup bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.
  • Transfer cooked macaroni to a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Add 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, Alfredo sauce, and mustard; mix thoroughly until macaroni is evenly coated. Mix in remaining 2 cups cheese and drained tomatoes and green chiles. Top with bread crumbs.
  • Bake until bubbly and cheese is melted, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 624.5 calories, Carbohydrate 51.4 g, Cholesterol 80.8 mg, Fat 35.6 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 25.3 g, SaturatedFat 18.2 g, Sodium 1103.1 mg, Sugar 4 g

EASY CAPRESE MAC AND CHEESE



Easy Caprese Mac and Cheese image

Busy day? Take it easy with this Easy Caprese Mac and Cheese. Jazz up your mac and cheese with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil in this Caprese-inspired macaroni and cheese.

Provided by Horizon Organic

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Horizon® Organic

Time 15m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 (6 ounce) boxes Horizon® ClassicMac™ Pasta Shells & White Cheddar Cheese
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup milk
1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup small fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
¼ cup shredded fresh basil

Steps:

  • Prepare the Horizon mac and cheese according to the package directions.
  • Stir in the tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 432 calories, Carbohydrate 59.7 g, Cholesterol 39.5 mg, Fat 14.6 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 15.5 g, SaturatedFat 8.9 g, Sodium 790 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

EASY QUINOA MAC AND CHEESE



Easy Quinoa Mac And Cheese image

Gluten-free mac & cheese is easy and delicious with quinoa and sharp Cheddar cheese.

Provided by Borden® Cheese

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Borden Cheese

Time 55m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
2 large eggs
1 cup non-fat milk
1 cup Borden® Sharp Cheddar Shredded Cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to and spray an 8-inch-square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until hot. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 1 minute or until onion is tender. Add quinoa and cook, stirring, until golden brown and toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 2 1/2 cups water, bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until water has been absorbed, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Whisk eggs and milk together in a large bowl. Stir quinoa into egg mixture, and whisk in 1/2 cup of the cheese. Spread in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake for 30 minutes. Garnish with chopped tomato and green onion, if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 346.1 calories, Carbohydrate 32 g, Cholesterol 124.2 mg, Fat 16.5 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 18.3 g, SaturatedFat 7.4 g, Sodium 243.1 mg, Sugar 3.3 g

EASY PUMPKIN MAC AND CHEESE



Easy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese image

Pumpkin, when added to macaroni and cheese, sneaks a hidden vegetable to your meal! The onion and garlic add some flavor, too! Additional seasonings may be added too.

Provided by sueb

Categories     100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes     Noodle Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

13 ¼ ounces whole wheat spiral pasta
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
¼ cup whole wheat flour
2 cups soy milk
1 ½ cups pumpkin puree
1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion and garlic until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in whole wheat flour until combined. Stir in soy milk, pumpkin puree, and Cheddar cheese.
  • Drain pasta and mix into the sauce. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 703.3 calories, Carbohydrate 93.2 g, Cholesterol 58.8 mg, Fat 24.3 g, Fiber 11.7 g, Protein 30.3 g, SaturatedFat 12.7 g, Sodium 438.2 mg, Sugar 7.7 g

IMPOSSIBLY EASY MAC AND CHEESE



Impossibly Easy Mac and Cheese image

I don't know why but I love the IMPOSSIBLE PIE recipes from Bisquick. This is my version of their Mac and Cheese

Provided by Kathie Carr

Categories     Pasta

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 c sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 c pepper jack cheese, shredded
1 1/4 c uncooked elbow macaroni
2/3 c bisquick
2 1/2 c milk
1/2 tsp red pepper sauce
2 large eggs
8 slice bacon, cooked and crumbled, optional

Steps:

  • 1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 10-inch pie plate or casserole dish with cooking spray. Place uncooked macaroni in pie plate. Mix shredded cheeses. Spread 2 1/2 cups cheese on top of macaroni.
  • 2. In medium bowl, stir remaining ingredients (except remaining 1/2 cup cheese) with wire whisk or fork until blended. Pour into pie plate on top of macaroni.
  • 3. Spray sheet of foil with cooking spray; place sprayed side down over pie plate. Bake 40 minutes. Uncover; bake 8 to 10 minutes longer or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake 2 to 4 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

EASY WEEKNIGHT MAC AND CHEESE 4 WAYS



Easy Weeknight Mac and Cheese 4 Ways image

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

1 ½ cups small elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 ½ cups Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original almondmilk
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic salt, or to taste
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Freshly ground pepper to taste
¾ cup 1/4-inch diced turkey kielbasa
⅔ cup chopped onion
⅔ cup diced bell pepper (any color)
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup chopped onion
⅓ cup real bacon bits
1 ½ cups mixed riced cauliflower and broccoli
Garlic salt to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup chopped red onion
15 slices turkey pepperoni, cut into quarters
⅓ cup diced bell pepper (any color)
⅓ cup sliced olives

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.

IMPOSSIBLY FAST AND EASY MAC AND CHEESE PIE



Impossibly Fast and Easy Mac and Cheese Pie image

No need to precook the macaroni! This is easy. A great recipe for kids learning to cook and yet good enough for an adult lunch or dinner. This recipe came from a Betty Crocker flyer about 8 or 10 years ago.

Provided by Kathie Carr

Categories     Savory Pies

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 9

PIE:
1 c uncooked macaroni
1 3/4 c shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 c bisquick or similar mix
1 1/2 c milk
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp each salt and pepper (or more to taste)
FOR TOPPING PIE AT END OF BAKING:
1 c shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • 1. PIE: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter a 9 inch pie plate. Place uncooked macaroni in pie plate. Sprinkle 1 3/4 cup shredded cheese evenly over macaroni. In a mixing bowl stir together all remaining pie ingredients. Mix until well blended. Carefully pour this over ingredients already in pie plate. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center of the pie comes out clean.
  • 2. FOR TOPPING PIE AT END OF BAKING: Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese and bake for 2-3 minutes more to melt cheese. Let sit outside oven for 5 minutes before cutting. NOTE: If you are using this recipe for adults you may wish to add 1/4 teaspoon of dried red pepper flakes. You can also crush some seasoned croutons and sprinkle over the cheese for final couple of minutes of baking- when you add the cheese and melt it. Or you can garnish the baked pie with paprika or fresh parsley.

QUICK AND EASY MAC AND CHEESE



Quick and Easy Mac and Cheese image

It is Friday or "Funday" and that is what this Mac and Cheese is all about!!

Provided by Catherine Cappiello Pappas

Categories     Pasta

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 7

8 oz. cheddar cheese - cubed
1 cup milk
4 tablespoons butter
¼ tsp. garlic powder
¼ tsp. black pepper
¼ tsp. salt
1 lb. your favorite macaroni

Steps:

  • 1. Heat a large frying pan and add the milk, butter and cheese. Cook macaroni as directed. Lift out of the water with a slated spoon and add to the milk and cheese. Lower heat and toss until all of the cheese is incorporated with the macaroni.

Tips:

  • Use quality ingredients: Freshly grated cheese and quality pasta will make a big difference in the final dish.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but be careful not to overcook it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won't hold the cheese sauce well.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that helps to thicken the cheese sauce. Be sure to cook the roux over medium heat until it is golden brown. This will help to give the cheese sauce a rich flavor.
  • Use a variety of cheeses: Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheeses. A combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan is a classic, but you can also try using Gruyère, Gouda, or Fontina.
  • Season the cheese sauce: Don't forget to season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and paprika. You can also add other spices, such as garlic powder or onion powder, to taste.
  • Serve immediately: Mac and cheese is best served immediately after it is made. The cheese sauce will start to thicken as it cools, so don't let it sit for too long before serving.

Conclusion:

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It is a quick and easy dish to make, and it is also very versatile. You can experiment with different types of cheeses, add-ins, and seasonings to create your own unique mac and cheese recipe. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give mac and cheese a try. You won't be disappointed!

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