Best 2 Homemade Baked Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

Macaroni and cheese, a classic comfort food enjoyed by people of all ages, is a delectable dish made with pasta, a creamy cheese sauce, and often additional ingredients like breadcrumbs, bacon, or vegetables. This versatile dish can be prepared in various ways, from simple stovetop methods to elaborate baked versions. Our collection of recipes offers a range of macaroni and cheese variations, each with unique flavors and textures to satisfy every palate. From the classic baked macaroni and cheese with a golden-brown crust to the easy skillet macaroni and cheese ready in under 30 minutes, our recipes provide options for both experienced cooks and beginners. Whether you prefer a creamy and indulgent sauce or a lighter, healthier version, our macaroni and cheese recipes have something for everyone. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey to create a delicious and comforting macaroni and cheese dish that will warm your heart and fill your belly.

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

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

Ingredients

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

YUMMY HOMEMADE BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE

Yummy Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

I love cheese, it is one of my favorite foods. So naturally, I decided to create a homemade macaroni and cheese.

Provided by tracielroy89

Categories One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 lb elbow macaroni
1 1/2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 1/2 cups KRAFT Shredded Three Cheese with a Touch of PHILADELPHIA
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups skim milk
salt
pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Ritz cracker

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°.
Boil pasta till al dente, drain.
Melt butter in sauce pan over low/medium heat, add flour and stir till thick and chunky.
Add milk and whisk until butter and flour mixture has blended.
Let cook until milk becomes thick, stirring often.
Add all cheeses 1/2 cup at a time, whisking until cheese has melted before adding next amount.
Once all blended and melted add salt and pepper to taste then add garlic.
Grease an 8x10 casserole dish, pour in pasta and cheese sauce, stir till mixed.
Break up one sleeve of ritz crackers over the top.
Bake 20 minutes.

Tips:

Choose the right pasta. Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for baked macaroni and cheese, but you can also use other short pastas like penne or shells.
Cook the pasta al dente. This means that the pasta should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the casserole.
Use a good quality cheese. The type of cheese you use will have a big impact on the flavor of the macaroni and cheese. Use a combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese for a rich and flavorful dish.
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 until it is golden brown before adding the milk.
Use whole milk. Whole milk will give the cheese sauce a richer flavor and texture. If you are using low-fat or skim milk, you may need to add a little butter or flour to the roux to thicken it.
Season the cheese sauce. Be sure to season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. You can also add other spices, such as garlic powder or onion powder, to taste.
Top with breadcrumbs. Before baking, top the macaroni and cheese with breadcrumbs. This will give the dish a crispy golden brown crust.
Bake until golden brown and bubbly. Bake the macaroni and cheese in a preheated oven until it is golden brown and bubbly. This usually takes about 30 minutes.

Conclusion:

Baked macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious macaroni and cheese that will be the star of your next potluck or family gathering.

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