Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with Ellie's Macaroni and Cheese, a delectable array of creamy, cheesy pasta dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. From the classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese, featuring a golden-brown crust and a velvety interior, to the innovative Skillet Macaroni and Cheese, offering a crispy exterior and a gooey center, this collection has something for every macaroni and cheese enthusiast. But the culinary journey doesn't end there. Discover the secrets behind the rich and flavorful Southern Macaroni and Cheese, where spices and creamy cheese blend harmoniously. For those seeking a healthier alternative, the Lightened-Up Macaroni and Cheese offers a delightful balance of taste and nutrition. And for those with dietary restrictions, the Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese ensures that everyone can partake in this cheesy delight. With Ellie's Macaroni and Cheese, prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.
Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!
ELSIE'S BAKED MAC AND CHEESE
Triple Cheddar and Colby Jack bring lots of cheese flavor to this creamy mac & cheese with just a hint of heat.
Provided by Borden® Cheese
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Borden Cheese
Time 50m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray the inside of a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Combine Cheddar and Colby Jack cheeses in a medium bowl and set aside.
- Cook macaroni in boiling salted water according to package directions; drain well and set aside.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Blend in flour, stirring constantly, until smooth and bubbly. Gradually whisk in milk and half & half. Stir constantly, until mixture boils and thickens (about 2 to 3 minutes). Remove from heat and add cayenne and black peppers, and 2 cups of the reserved cheese mixture; stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Stir cooked macaroni into the sauce and season to taste. Place in the prepared casserole dish. Top with remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and dot with additional butter, if desired. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through and lightly browned.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 622.8 calories, Carbohydrate 49.2 g, Cholesterol 113.9 mg, Fat 36.3 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 26.1 g, SaturatedFat 13.3 g, Sodium 568 mg, Sugar 2.2 g
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
CLASSIC MACARONI AND CHEESE
This is the classic baked Mac and Cheese of my childhood. You can add sun-dried tomatoes if you wish, or sometimes I substitute minced garlic for the salt and pepper to give it added zing! It can make Saturday Night more fun!
Provided by Cordi Tierno
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 1h10m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). 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.
- Grease a 2 quart casserole dish. Place a quarter of the macaroni in the bottom, followed by an even layer of one-quarter of the cheese slices. Dot with butter and season with salt and pepper. Repeat layering three times. Pour evaporated milk evenly over the top of all.
- Bake, uncovered, for one hour, or until top is golden brown.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 701.3 calories, Carbohydrate 64.9 g, Cholesterol 102.8 mg, Fat 33.5 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 34 g, SaturatedFat 20.4 g, Sodium 552.2 mg, Sugar 7.8 g
CLASSIC BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
Think Stouffer's without the freezer. While it can be enjoyed straight from the pot, this macaroni and cheese has a slightly looser sauce than the stovetop variety to allow for thickening in the oven. Bread crumbs, while optional, make it truly spectacular.
Provided by Alison Roman
Categories dinner, lunch, casseroles, pastas, main course, side dish
Time 1h
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it's barely al dente. (It should be more al dente than your average pasta: It's going to continue to cook in the oven.) Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat butter in a medium pot over medium heat. (The pot should be large enough to hold all the pasta when cooked.) Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the flour is foamy and just starting to turn a light golden brown, about 4 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk to avoid clumping. Add garlic, paprika and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly and paying special attention to the edges of the pot to make sure the flour mixture is totally incorporated.
- Add grated cheese and whisk to blend until the cheese is completely melted. (The sauce will seem thick at first and thin out as the cheese melts; it will thicken while it bakes.) Season with salt and pepper and add cooked pasta, stirring to coat well.
- Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil (to catch any cheesy drips).
- Make the optional topping: Combine bread crumbs, melted butter and Parmesan, if using, in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper and, using your hands, mix well to ensure the bread crumbs are evenly coated.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 3-quart or 9 x 13 baking dish and scatter bread crumbs, if using, evenly over the top. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake until macaroni and cheese is bubbling, thickened and creamy, and bread crumbs are evenly golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 1076, UnsaturatedFat 24 grams, Carbohydrate 85 grams, Fat 61 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 46 grams, SaturatedFat 31 grams, Sodium 1027 milligrams, Sugar 12 grams, TransFat 1 gram
SKILLET MAC AND CHEESE
Serving mac and cheese in the skillet it's baked in amps up the homey comfort factor. The secret ingredient in this bread crumb-topped beauty is the finely chopped cauliflower that blends in subtly with the pasta. Using three different cheeses guarantees maximum flavor and meltability.
Provided by Ellie Krieger
Categories main-dish
Yield Serves 6
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Place the cauliflower into a steamer basket fitted over the pot, cover, and steam until just tender, about 5 minutes. Finely chop the steamed cauliflower.
- In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, and oil.
- In a large saucepan, whisk together the milk and flour until the flour is dissolved. Whisking constantly, bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the mixture thickens slightly, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the cheddar, Gruyere, mustard powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until the cheeses are melted and the mixture is smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the chopped cauliflower and macaroni and stir until well coated.
- Spray an ovenproof 10-inch high-sided skillet with cooking spray. Pour the mixture into the prepared skillet. Sprinkle with the bread crumb mixture, place on a baking sheet, and bake until the top is browned and the cheese is bubbly, 35 to 40 minutes.
- Homemade bread crumbs are one of those "chef's secrets" ¿ important but often overlooked detail that can make a dish. These easy-to-make crumbs are flaky, mild, and versatile¿they don't have that heavy whole-wheat taste and dense texture that most store-bought brands have. Since bread crumbs are a comfort-food cornerstone used in everything from cutlet coatings to casserole toppings, it's key to have the best.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place the bread in a food processor and process until fine crumbs form, 25 to 30 seconds. Place the crumbs on a baking sheet, spreading them evenly. Bake until golden brown, about 12 minutes. Store the bread crumbs in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
ELLIE'S MACARONI AND CHEESE
Easy-to-make macaroni and cheese that I've been making for years. This is a great end-of-the week recipe using up leftover deli cheese with American cheese and left over hot dogs or meatloaf.
Provided by ellie_
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 45m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Prepare macaroni according to package directions, drain.
- Melt butter or margarine in large sauce pan.
- Add flour and stir until cooked.
- If using hot dogs or leftover meatloaf add to flour and butter and cook until heated.
- Add milk to pan.
- Cook until heated and thickened.
- Add cheese to pan and stir well until cheese melts.
- Add cooked macaroni to pan and mix well.
- Put macaroni/cheese mixture in casserole (2-3 quart).
- Cut or tear the 4 reserved slices of cheese and layer it over macaroni.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- Cook uncovered in oven for 30-45 minutes until hot and bubbling.
MACARONI AND CHEESE
Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 1h5m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Melt 6 tablespoons butter in a large saucepot over medium heat. Add flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Whisk in the warmed milk and bring to a boil, continue to whisk constantly. The mixture will thicken as the heat increases. Continue to stir while adding
- the dry mustard, nutmeg, cayenne, salt, pepper, hot sauce and Worcestershire. Stir in the 3 cups of Cheddar until it melts.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the noodles and add to a 3 quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the chips, bacon and Parmesan on top and bake for 35 minutes.
MACARONI AND 4 CHEESES
Ellie Krieger's Healthy Recipes - Food Network http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_36713,00.html Nutritional analysis per serving Calories 395 Total Fat 11.5 grams Saturated Fat 6 grams Cholesterol 35 mg Sodium 545 mg Carbohydrates 55 grams Protein 18 grams Fiber 3 grams
Provided by friedymeister
Categories Healthy
Time 1h
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until tender but firm, about 5 to 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
- Meanwhile, place the frozen squash and milk into a large saucepan and cook over a low heat, stirring occasionally and breaking up the squash with a spoon until defrosted. Turn the heat up to medium and cook until the mixture is almost simmering, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the Cheddar, Jack cheese, ricotta cheese, salt, mustard and cayenne pepper. Pour cheese mixture over the macaroni and stir to combine. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the baking dish.
- Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan and oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake for 20 minutes. Then broil for 3 minutes so the top is crisp and nicely browned.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 403.2, Fat 10.8, SaturatedFat 6.1, Cholesterol 30.5, Sodium 500.8, Carbohydrate 58.4, Fiber 2.9, Sugar 6.5, Protein 18.7
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.
EMERIL'S THREE-CHEESE BAKED MACARONI
Everyone loves old-fashioned macaroni and cheese, and this one comes together in no time flat. Grating cheeses, whisking eggs and milk, and stirring everything together are easy tasks that children will love doing. Hungry yet? No problem -- this dish bakes in just 12 minutes. The only hard part is letting it cool before digging in!
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Pork Recipes
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 475 degrees. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook macaroni 6 minutes (it will be undercooked). Drain. Meanwhile, heat a small skillet over medium and add bacon. Cook until fat is rendered and bacon is crisp, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. With a slotted spoon, transfer bacon mixture to a medium bowl. Add macaroni and stir to combine.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and evaporated milk. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, cayenne, nutmeg, and cheeses; mix well. Add macaroni mixture and stir well to combine. Transfer to an 8- or 9-inch square baking dish or 2-quart gratin dish. With a spoon, gently spread mixture to form an even layer. Bake just until sauce is bubbling at edges, 12 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 484 g, Fat 26 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 24 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the final flavor of your macaroni and cheese. Look for a sharp cheddar cheese that is well-aged and a good quality pasta.
- Cook the pasta al dente. This means that it should be cooked until it is just tender, but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will make your macaroni and cheese mushy.
- Make a roux. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken sauces. It will help to give your macaroni and cheese a smooth and creamy texture.
- Use a variety of cheeses. Don't just stick to cheddar cheese. Try using a combination of different cheeses, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gruyère. This will give your macaroni and cheese a more complex flavor.
- Add some mix-ins. Macaroni and cheese is a great dish to experiment with. Try adding some cooked bacon, crumbled sausage, or diced vegetables. You can also add herbs and spices to taste.
Conclusion:
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your own taste. Whether you like it simple or loaded with mix-ins, there is a macaroni and cheese recipe out there for everyone. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give one of these recipes a try. You won't be disappointed!
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love