Best 4 Mac N Cheese Dinner Recipes

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Macaroni and cheese, a comforting classic enjoyed by people of all ages, is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit various tastes and preferences. This article presents a collection of mouthwatering mac and cheese recipes that cater to different dietary needs and flavor profiles. Whether you're a cheese lover seeking an extra cheesy delight, a health-conscious individual seeking a lighter version, or a fan of bold flavors craving a spicy kick, this article has something for everyone. From a classic stovetop macaroni and cheese recipe to a baked version with a crispy golden crust, and even a one-pot version for easy cleanup, these recipes offer a range of cooking methods to suit your convenience. Additionally, there are gluten-free and vegan options available to ensure that everyone can indulge in the cheesy goodness of this beloved dish. Get ready to explore a world of macaroni and cheese possibilities and discover your new favorite comfort food recipe.

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

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.

HOMEMADE MAC AND CHEESE



Homemade Mac and Cheese image

This is a nice rich mac and cheese. Serve with a salad for a great meatless dinner. Hope you enjoy it.

Provided by Judy

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

Time 50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups milk
¼ cup butter
2 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup bread crumbs
1 pinch paprika

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to the package directions. Drain.
  • In a saucepan, melt butter or margarine over medium heat. Stir in enough flour to make a roux. Add milk to roux slowly, stirring constantly. Stir in cheeses, and cook over low heat until cheese is melted and the sauce is a little thick. Put macaroni in large casserole dish, and pour sauce over macaroni. Stir well.
  • Melt butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and brown. Spread over the macaroni and cheese to cover. Sprinkle with a little paprika.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 858.2 calories, Carbohydrate 66.7 g, Cholesterol 141.6 mg, Fat 48.7 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 37.7 g, SaturatedFat 29.9 g, Sodium 879.3 mg, Sugar 10.7 g

SIMPLE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Simple Macaroni and Cheese image

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

1 (8 ounce) box elbow macaroni
¼ cup butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
ground black pepper to taste
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

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

MAC 'N' CHEESE DINNER



Mac 'n' Cheese Dinner image

Don't settle for ordinary mac and cheese. This version is my kids' favorite, so I always make a huge pot. It's an easy recipe to cut down or double (or triple!). It can also be made into a low-fat recipe if you use nonfat milk, reduced-fat cheeses and lean ham. -Raymond James, Port Orchard, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
4 medium carrots, thinly sliced
1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas
1 cup cubed fully cooked ham
2/3 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni in boiling water for 3 minutes. Add carrots and peas; return to a boil. Cook until macaroni is tender, 5-6 minutes longer. Drain; add ham. , In a 1-qt. microwave-safe dish, combine the milk and cream cheese. Cover and microwave at 50% power for 3 minutes; stir. Cook until cream cheese is melted, 2-3 minutes longer. Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, salt and pepper. Pour over pasta and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 284 calories, Fat 10g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 40mg cholesterol, Sodium 609mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 18g protein.

Tips:

  • Use a high-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor. A sharp cheddar will give you a more pronounced cheese taste, while a milder cheddar will be more subtle.
  • Don't overcook the macaroni. It should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • Make sure the cheese sauce is thick and creamy. If it's too thin, add a little more cornstarch or flour.
  • Season the mac and cheese to taste. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are all good options.
  • Top the mac and cheese with your favorite toppings. Some popular options include breadcrumbs, bacon, and jalapeños.
  • Serve the mac and cheese immediately, while it's still hot and bubbly.

Conclusion:

Mac 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 liking. Whether you like it simple or loaded with toppings, there's a mac and cheese recipe out there for everyone. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give one of these mac and cheese recipes a try. You won't be disappointed!

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