Best 10 Extra Sharp Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary masterpiece with our collection of Extra Sharp Macaroni and Cheese recipes. These tantalizing dishes elevate the classic comfort food to new heights of flavor and texture, using a blend of sharp cheddar cheeses to create a rich, bold taste experience. From the classic baked macaroni and cheese to innovative variations like skillet mac and cheese and creamy sun-dried tomato mac and cheese, our recipes offer a diverse range of options to satisfy any palate. Each recipe provides step-by-step instructions, making it easy for home cooks of all skill levels to recreate these delectable dishes in their own kitchens.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

SUPER DECADENT MAC AND CHEESE



Super Decadent Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Kardea Brown

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/4 cup unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the dish
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound elbow macaroni
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more if needed
4 ounces cream cheese
One 16-ounce block sharp Cheddar, shredded
1 1/2 cups extra-sharp Cheddar, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9- by 13-inch baking dish with butter.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 7 minutes. Strain in a colander, run cold water over the pasta and set aside.
  • Using the same pot the macaroni was cooked in, melt the 1/4 cup butter over medium heat, add the flour and whisk until smooth. While whisking constantly, slowly add the milk and then the cream. Bring to a simmer, add the cream cheese and the shredded Cheddar except for 1/2 cup and stir until melted. Stir in the granulated garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Remove the cheese sauce from the heat and stir in the macaroni. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Whisk together the eggs and sour cream in a small bowl and then fold into the macaroni and cheese. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish, fold in the cubed Cheddar and top with the reserved 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar. Bake until the top just begins to brown, about 20 minutes. Loosely cover with foil and bake 10 to 15 minutes more.

HOMEMADE MAC AND CHEESE CASSEROLE



Homemade Mac and Cheese Casserole image

This homemade Mac and Cheese Casserole is the best you've ever had. Tender noodles in a velvety sauce make the perfectly irresistible dish!!

Provided by Holly Nilsson

Categories     Casserole     Dinner     Entree     Main Course     Pasta

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 11

12 ounces dry elbow macaroni
¼ cup butter
¼ cup flour
1 ½ cups milk
1 cup light cream (about 10-12% MF)
½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
salt & pepper to taste
1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup (optional 10.75 ounces)
4 cups sharp cheddar (divided)
½ cup fresh parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F.
  • Cook macaroni al dente (firm) according to package directions. Drain and run under cold water.
  • Melt butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Whisk in flour and let cook 2 minutes while stirring. Slowly whisk in milk, cream, mustard powder, onion powder, salt & pepper to taste. Cook over medium heat while stirring until thickened.
  • Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese & 3 cups cheddar cheese until melted. Add soup if using.
  • Toss cheese sauce & macaroni noodles together. Pour into a greased 9×13 pan. Top with remaining cheese.
  • Bake 18-24 minutes or until bubbly. Do not over cook. Cool 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 539 kcal, Carbohydrate 39 g, Protein 24 g, Fat 32 g, SaturatedFat 20 g, Cholesterol 98 mg, Sodium 529 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 4 g, TransFat 1 g, UnsaturatedFat 10 g, ServingSize 1 serving

EXTRA SHARP MACARONI AND CHEESE



Extra sharp macaroni and cheese image

We love creamy, tangy macaroni and cheese, so I was on a quest to create the perfect recipe. After experimenting with several different sauces, this one has fit the bill for us! Cooper sharp, extra sharp cheddar and my secret ingredient, sour cream, gives this mac and cheese the perfect tang we've been looking for!

Provided by Kialono .....

Categories     Pasta Sides

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 9

16 oz box macaroni, elbow
4 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp all purpose flour
salt and pepper to taste
pinch nutmeg, fresh
1 lb cooper sharp cheese (at deli)
4 c extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 c sour cream, don't use lite
4 c whole milk, don't use skim

Steps:

  • 1. Prepare macaroni according to package, cooking about 1 minute less than it calls for. Drain and place in a 13 x 9 baking dish which has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
  • 2. In a heavy, large sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour, salt and pepper (about a pinch each) and let it sit for about 90 seconds so the flour cooks. Stir with a whisk until the flour is smooth, about 1 minute. Add the milk, slowly at first, to incorporate, whisking quickly. Add the sour cream (it will look lumpy). Whisk frequently until it just about boils, being careful not to let it boil. Add the cheeses, starting with the cooper sharp, a few slices at a time and whisk until incorporated. Add 2 cups of grated cheddar and the tiniest pinch of fresh, grated nutmeg. Don't boil, just whisk until the cheeses are melted and the sauce becomes smooth.
  • 3. Pour the sauce over the macaroni (I use all of it because we like it very creamy. If you like a custard-y consistency, leave a little sauce out). Stir the sauce until the macaroni is covered. Top with the remaining 2 cups of grated cheddar. Do not cover. Cook in a 350 degree preheated oven for 45 minutes until it's bubbling. ENJOY!

BEST-EVER MACARONI AND CHEESE



Best-Ever Macaroni and Cheese image

In the South, mac 'n cheese is like everyone's favorite aunt-and this best-ever recipe beats out the rest.

Provided by Southern Living Test Kitchen

Categories     Casserole

Time 1h10m

Yield Serves 10

Number Of Ingredients 14

16 ounces uncooked large elbow macaroni, large shells, or cavatappi pasta
6 tablespoons salted butter
⅓ cup grated yellow onion
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 ½ cups milk
1 ¾ cups heavy cream
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
4 ounces extra-sharp yellow Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup), plus 4 oz. diced (about 1 cup), divided
4 ounces sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded, (about 1 cup), plus 4 oz. diced (about 1 cup), divided

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare pasta according to package directions for al dente.
  • Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium. Add next 6 ingredients; cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Add flour, and cook, stirring, until golden, 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Bring to a boil, whisking occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, whisking, until slightly thickened, 5 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce. Remove from heat; stir in 3/4 cup each of shredded Cheddar cheeses until melted. (Reserve remaining 1/4 cup each of shredded cheeses.) Stir in pasta and diced cheeses; pour into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch (3-quart) baking dish.
  • Bake on a rimmed baking sheet in preheated oven until bubbly and golden, 30 minutes. Remove from oven; increase oven temperature to broil. Sprinkle with reserved shredded cheeses; broil 6 inches from heat until cheeses are melted and golden, about 2 minutes. Remove from oven; cool slightly on a wire rack, about 15 minutes.

EXTRA RICH-AND-CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Extra Rich-and-Creamy Macaroni and Cheese image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

Kosher salt
8 ounces shell pasta
1 cup evaporated milk
2 large eggs
2 cups grated havarti cheese (about 6 ounces)
1 1/2 cups grated Colby jack cheese (about 4 ounces)
Pinch of grated nutmeg
1/4 cup sour cream

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain.
  • Combine the evaporated milk, eggs, havarti, Colby jack, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the nutmeg in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until smooth and thickened, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  • Add the pasta and sour cream to the sauce; toss to coat, then let sit 5 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly. Add the reserved cooking water to loosen, if desired.

MOM'S EXTRA SHARP MAC AND CHEESE



Mom's Extra Sharp Mac and Cheese image

My Mom has been making mac and cheese this way for as long as I can remember. It gets a cheesy crust on top that the family fights for.

Provided by AcadiaTwo

Categories     Cheese

Time 50m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 1/2 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese (shredded or sliced)
1 1/2 cups macaroni (cooked)
1 cup milk

Steps:

  • Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • In a 2-quart square baking dish place 1/2 a cup of cooked macaroni in a single layer.
  • Cover macaroni with cheese evenly.
  • Layer another 1/2 a cup of of macaroni on top of the cheese.
  • Cover macaroni with cheese evenly.
  • Layer another 1/2 a cup of of macaroni on top of the cheese.
  • Add the milk.
  • Cover macaroni and milk with cheese evenly.
  • Bake for 20 minutes.
  • Set the oven to broil and and broil mac, milk and cheese 6"-8" away from broiler for 5-7 minutes or until cheese is browned.
  • Warning: HOT, let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  • Enjoy!

CREAMY BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

This recipe, inspired by Stouffer's macaroni and cheese, delivers the best of all worlds: creamy, saucy comfort, with a consistency that's slightly more set than a stovetop version, thanks to a final bake in the oven. It stays voluptuous and molten as a result of a higher ratio of sauce to noodles, which are cooked completely so they don't soak up as much liquid. The Velveeta is necessary here, as it has sodium citrate, which prevents the sauce from separating in the oven. Elbow macaroni works fine, but cavatappi is an especially fun shape to eat with its telephone-cord bounciness.

Provided by Eric Kim

Time 1h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Salt
1 pound cavatappi or elbow macaroni
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
6 cups whole milk
1 pound sharp or extra-sharp yellow Cheddar, coarsely grated (5 1/4 cups)
8 ounces Velveeta, torn into pieces
4 ounces Pecorino Romano, coarsely grated (1 cup)
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Pinch of ground cayenne
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season generously with salt. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until just past al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Return the empty pot to the stove (no need to clean it) and set over medium heat. Melt the butter and simmer, whisking occasionally, until the butter stops spurting and quiets down, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the flour and cook, whisking, until smooth like gravy, about 1 minute.
  • Whisk in the milk. Raise the heat to high and bring to a simmer, whisking constantly, then immediately reduce the heat to low and continue simmering until the sauce lightly coats the back of a spoon, 2 to 5 minutes. At this stage, the sauce should be smooth but relatively loose. Take the pot off the heat.
  • To the pot, add the Cheddar, Velveeta, Pecorino Romano, mustard powder, onion powder and cayenne, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Whisk until the cheese is melted and smooth like nacho cheese. Add the drained pasta, breaking up any clumps, and stir until evenly coated in the cheese sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer to a 9-by-13-inch baking pan or dish and bake until bubbling at the edges, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve immediately.

BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

Make and share this Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ladyautumn

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h

Yield 1 casserole, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 1/2 cups macaroni, uncooked
1/2 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup flour, all-purpose
1 3/4 cups milk
8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, cubed (the extra sharp is what makes it)

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni, drain, and place in casserole dish.
  • Cook butter, salt, pepper, and flour.
  • Add milk and boil for 1 minute.
  • Add cheese a few cubes at a time until it all blended.
  • Pour over macaroni.
  • Bake at 350 until a "crust" is formed, about 30-45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 450.3, Fat 30.9, SaturatedFat 19.4, Cholesterol 90.3, Sodium 573.9, Carbohydrate 27.5, Fiber 1, Sugar 0.7, Protein 15.9

MACARONI AND CHEESE



Macaroni and Cheese image

This macaroni and cheese is served at The Community Kitchen where every weekday a different church serves a meal. I got this recipe from one of the lady's who works for the church. This is gotta to be one of the best macaroni and cheese recipes I've had. My newphews and niece really like this macaroni and cheese and eat it right up.

Provided by internetnut

Categories     Cheese

Time 55m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/2 cup margarine, melted
1/2 cup flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 quart milk
1 lb grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1 lb macaroni, cooked

Steps:

  • Place melted margarine in a pan. Stir in flour, salt, dry mustard, and white pepper. Add milk and cook, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese. Pour the sauce over cooked macaroni.
  • Bake at 350, covered half of the time, for 40 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 731.2, Fat 32.4, SaturatedFat 19.9, Cholesterol 102.3, Sodium 1330, Carbohydrate 73.4, Fiber 2.8, Sugar 2.5, Protein 35.3

BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

Macaroni and cheese may seem an easy proposition. Noodles, cheese. But the secret to this creamy dish with a crunchy and crisp top is American cheese. This is no place for fancy cheeses or fancy noodles. Leave the whole-wheat penne and artisanal orecchiette in the cupboard and bring on the elbow pasta.

Provided by Julia Moskin

Categories     brunch, dinner, easy, lunch, weekday, casseroles, main course, side dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 8 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 tablespoons butter
12 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
12 ounces American cheese or cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
1 pound elbow pasta, boiled in salted water until just tender, drained, and rinsed under cold water
1/8 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
Salt
2/3 cup whole milk.

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375 degrees. Use one tablespoon butter to thickly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Combine grated cheeses and set aside two heaping cups for topping.
  • In a large bowl, toss together the pasta, cheeses, cayenne (if using) and salt to taste. Place in prepared pan and evenly pour milk over surface. Sprinkle reserved cheese on top, dot with remaining butter and bake, uncovered, 45 minutes. Raise heat to 400 degrees and bake 15 to 20 minutes more, until crusty on top and bottom.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 291, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 4 grams, Fat 24 grams, Protein 15 grams, SaturatedFat 14 grams, Sodium 557 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 1 gram

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your macaroni and cheese.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente. This means that it should be cooked through but still have a little bit of a bite to it.
  • Use a good quality cheese. A sharp cheddar cheese is a good choice for macaroni and cheese.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. You can use a combination of different cheeses to create a unique flavor.
  • Add some other ingredients to your macaroni and cheese. This could include cooked bacon, diced ham, or vegetables.
  • Top your macaroni and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping. This will add a nice crunch and flavor to the dish.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your own taste. Whether you like it simple or loaded with extras, there's a macaroni and cheese recipe out there for everyone. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give macaroni and cheese a try.

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