Best 4 Elsies Baked Mac And Cheese Recipes

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Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food dish enjoyed by people of all ages. It is traditionally made with macaroni pasta, cheese sauce, and often breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese. There are many different variations of mac and cheese, but the basic ingredients remain the same. Some popular variations include adding cooked chicken, bacon, ham, or vegetables to the dish. Others like to add different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or fontina. And still others like to experiment with different cooking methods, such as baking, frying, or grilling.

No matter how you like your mac and cheese, there's a recipe in this article that's sure to please you. We've included recipes for classic mac and cheese, as well as some more unique and creative variations. So whether you're looking for a simple weeknight meal or a special dish to serve at your next party, you're sure to find the perfect mac and cheese recipe here.

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

CLASSIC BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

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

1 pound elbows, shells, cavatappi, farfalle, fusilli or other short, tube-shaped pasta
Kosher salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 clove garlic, finely grated
1 teaspoon smoked or hot paprika
Freshly ground pepper
12 ounces sharp or white Cheddar cheese, grated
12 ounces fontina or Gruyère, grated
1 cup coarse bread crumbs or panko
4 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

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

MOM'S FAVORITE BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



Mom's Favorite Baked Mac and Cheese image

This is a macaroni and cheese I first made 3 years ago when I was in California. When I got back to Texas I made it for my mom. This is now her favorite baked macaroni and cheese. She begs me to make it when I come to visit.

Provided by GEPETTO_69

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

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (8 ounce) package processed American cheese, cut into strips

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion for 2 minutes. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in milk, salt, mustard and pepper; cook, stirring frequently, until mixture boils and thickens.
  • Meanwhile, bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • To the milk mixture add the Cheddar and American cheeses; stir until cheese melts. Combine macaroni and cheese sauce in a 2 quart baking dish; mix well.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 561 calories, Carbohydrate 36.5 g, Cholesterol 100.1 mg, Fat 33.3 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 28.3 g, SaturatedFat 20.7 g, Sodium 1194 mg, Sugar 5.2 g

BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

A friend of mine sent this recipe to me when I got my first apartment, because she knows how much I hate cooking! It's really easy -- even I can make it -- and tastes great. I'm not sure where she found the recipe, but it included the note 'Good source of protein, vitamin A, B group vitamins, calcium.'

Provided by Meredith

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

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (12 ounce) package macaroni
1 egg
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
  • In a large pot of salted water, lightly boil the macaroni for about 5 minutes until half-cooked.
  • Whisk the egg and milk together in a large cup. Add butter and cheese to the egg and milk. Stir well.
  • Place the lightly cooked macaroni in the prepared baking dish. Pour the egg and cheese liquid over the macaroni, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and stir well. Press the mixture evenly around the baking dish.
  • Bake uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 968.1 calories, Carbohydrate 92.6 g, Cholesterol 194.2 mg, Fat 45.4 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 45.6 g, SaturatedFat 27.6 g, Sodium 736 mg, Sugar 11.2 g

LYSSIE'S BEST MACARONI AND CHEESE



Lyssie's Best Macaroni and Cheese image

Okay. I know...there are tons of mac and cheese recipes out there - I've tried most of them. Even Paula Deen's! I prefer this version. It doesn't have that "burpy" taste that you so often find because of the addition of mustard and the texture is smooth and creamy NOT gritty like mac and cheese can sometimes be. It's quick and easy and my family loves this!

Provided by Lyssie71

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 45m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon salt (I use a little more)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup flour
1 3/4 cups milk
1 lb medium cheddar, shredded

Steps:

  • Cook elbow macaroni as directed, in fairly salty water.
  • Melt butter in frying pan over medium heat. Stir in salt and pepper. Add flour, and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth (about a minute or two.you really want to cook the flour, without making it brown).
  • Remove the frying pan from the stove and add milk.
  • Return the frying pan to the burner and gradually increase heat as you stir constantly. When mixture boils, continue to stir for one minute, then remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Add cheese sauce to the macaroni and stir thoroughly.
  • Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle top with paprika, then bake for another five minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 851.4, Fat 53.9, SaturatedFat 33.8, Cholesterol 164.7, Sodium 1153.1, Carbohydrate 51.7, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 2, Protein 39.6

Tips:

  • Boil the macaroni just until al dente. This will prevent it from becoming mushy when it's baked.
  • Use a sharp cheddar cheese. This will give the mac and cheese a rich, flavorful taste.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. You could try a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan, or even add in some crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese.
  • Make sure the sauce is thick enough. It should coat the macaroni evenly and not be too runny.
  • Top the mac and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping. This will add a nice texture and flavor contrast.
  • Bake the mac and cheese until it's bubbly and golden brown. This will ensure that it's cooked through and delicious.

Conclusion:

Elsie's Baked Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food dish that's perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Whether you like it cheesy, creamy, or crispy, this recipe has you covered. So next time you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, give Elsie's Baked Mac and Cheese a try. You won't be disappointed!

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