Best 5 Home Style Baked Macaroni Cheese Recipes

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Indulge in a comforting culinary classic with our delectable baked macaroni and cheese. This dish is a harmonious blend of creamy cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and a golden-brown crust. The richness of the cheese sauce comes from a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack, while a touch of Dijon mustard adds a hint of tang. The macaroni is cooked to al dente perfection, providing a delightful texture that complements the velvety cheese sauce. A crispy breadcrumb topping adds an irresistible crunch, while a sprinkling of paprika brings a vibrant pop of color. Whether you're craving a hearty family meal or a cozy dinner for two, this baked macaroni and cheese is sure to satisfy your taste buds. In addition to the classic recipe, we also offer variations to cater to different dietary preferences, including a gluten-free version made with almond flour, a lower-carb version using cauliflower, and a vegan version that uses plant-based cheese and almond milk. So, prepare to embark on a culinary journey filled with cheesy goodness and discover your new favorite comfort food.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

Provided by Trisha Yearwood

Categories     side-dish

Time 50m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Unsalted butter, for the dish
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 pound elbow macaroni with ridges
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups milk
2 cups grated sharp Cheddar
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Steps:

  • For the macaroni: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish.
  • Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the salt and macaroni. Bring the water back to a boil and cook the macaroni until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain well.
  • For the cheese sauce: Meanwhile, melt the butter in a 1-quart saucepan. Using a wire whisk, stir in the flour and salt, stirring and cooking over medium heat until the roux bubbles and the flour turns pale brown, about 3 minutes. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of the milk and then whisk in the remaining 1 cup milk. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Add the cheese and stir until it melts. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly.
  • For the topping: In a small bowl, stir the breadcrumbs with the butter until the crumbs are moistened.
  • Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the prepared baking dish and top with the buttered breadcrumbs. Bake until the dish bubbles around the edges, about 15 minutes.

BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



Baked Mac and Cheese image

Even people who have had their own homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe for years ask for mine when they taste this crumb-topped version. For the best baked mac and cheese, use extra-sharp white cheddar cheese for more flavor. -Shelby Thompson of Dover, Delaware

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 package (16 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni
1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup butter, divided
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4-1/2 cups 2% milk
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup dry bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente; drain., In a Dutch oven, heat 1/3 cup butter over medium heat; saute onion until tender. Stir in flour and seasonings until blended; gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened. Stir in cheese until melted. Stir in macaroni. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., In a microwave, melt remaining butter; toss with bread crumbs. Sprinkle over casserole. Bake, uncovered, until heated through, 30-35 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 689 calories, Fat 37g fat (22g saturated fat), Cholesterol 104mg cholesterol, Sodium 834mg sodium, Carbohydrate 62g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 28g protein.

BAKED HOMEMADE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Baked Homemade Macaroni and Cheese image

This recipe was given to me by my friend Katie. It's a longtime favorite in her family.

Provided by Jody

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

Time 1h15m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 ½ cups elbow macaroni
¼ cup butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
4 cups milk
1 pound shredded Cheddar cheese
¼ cup butter, melted
1 sleeve buttery round crackers, crushed

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the macaroni, and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain well.
  • Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Whisk in milk and simmer, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
  • Turn off heat and stir in Cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted. Add the macaroni and stir to coat. Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Mix the 1/4 remaining cup melted butter and crushed crackers together in a bowl; scatter the cracker mixture evenly over the macaroni mixture.
  • Bake in preheated oven until golden brown on top, about 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 810.1 calories, Carbohydrate 57.3 g, Cholesterol 133.1 mg, Fat 49.9 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 32.4 g, SaturatedFat 28.9 g, Sodium 1011.5 mg, Sugar 9.8 g

HOME STYLE, BAKED MACARONI & CHEESE



Home Style, Baked Macaroni & Cheese image

No one will ever guess how easy it is to make this macaroni & cheese, after they taste it! So simple but makes an amazing mac & cheese! Even better when you add meat-balls, smoked sausage,or diced ham. Enjoy!

Provided by Amy H.

Categories     Casseroles

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 box (12 oz.) uncooked macaroni noodles
2 bag(s) (8 oz.) shredded mild cheddar cheese
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 c milk
1/2 stick butter
1/2 tsp salt

Steps:

  • 1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well. Return to pot.
  • 2. Add remaining ingredients, reserving 1/2 bag of cheddar cheese. Stir over barely any heat on stove until blended and cheese melts.
  • 3. Pour into 9x13" glass baking dish, sprinkle remaining cheese over top. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

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

Tips:

  • Use a combination of cheeses for a richer flavor. Try using a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente so that it still has a slight bite to it.
  • Make sure the cheese sauce is thick and creamy. If it's too thin, add more cheese or cornstarch.
  • Top the macaroni and cheese with breadcrumbs before baking for a golden crust.
  • Serve the macaroni and cheese immediately after it's baked, while it's still hot and bubbly.

Conclusion:

Baked macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that's perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like it cheesy, gooey, or crispy, there's a baked macaroni and cheese recipe out there for you. So next time you're looking for a satisfying and delicious meal, give one of these recipes a try.

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