Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our curated selection of macaroni and cheese recipes. This classic dish, enjoyed by people of all ages, is a versatile culinary canvas that allows for endless variations and creative twists. Whether you prefer a traditional baked macaroni and cheese with a golden-brown crust or a creamy stovetop version, we have a recipe to satisfy every craving. Explore our collection of recipes that showcase different cooking techniques, ingredient combinations, and flavors, from the classic cheddar cheese macaroni and cheese to unique takes featuring unexpected ingredients like bacon, lobster, and even truffle oil. Each recipe is carefully crafted to ensure a perfect balance of creamy cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and flavorful additions. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more of this iconic dish.
Here are our top 13 tried and tested recipes!
HOMEMADE MACARONI AND CHEESE
Basic bechamel is made of milk, thickened with flour and butter; add grated cheese to create Mornay sauce -- the key to creamy, crowd-pleasing mac and cheese. This recipe is adapted from the "Martha Stewart's Cooking School" cookbook.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Pasta and Grains
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add pasta; salt generously and cook pasta to manufacturer's instructions. Transfer to a colander, rinse under cold running water, and drain well.
- Melt butter in a 4-quart pot over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, until bubbling but not browning, about 45 seconds. Add milk and whisk to combine. Bring to a simmer, stirring with a wooden spoon (scrape across the bottom and around edge of pot to prevent scorching), until thickened and smooth. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
- Add fontina, Gruyere, Cheddar, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses, stirring until completely melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper, add cayenne and nutmeg, and stir to combine.
- Add pasta to sauce along with white pepper and salt; stir to thoroughly combine. Serve immediately.
PERFECT MACARONI AND CHEESE FROM MARTHA STEWART
Easy to make, flavorful. Makes 12 servings, Perfect for those "dish to pass" occasions. Taken From Macaroni & Cheese: 52 Recipes From Simple to Sublime. I use a 3 quart oblong glass dish for this casserole.
Provided by Mary C.
Categories Macaroni And Cheese
Time 55m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat oven to 375 degrees.
- Butter 3 quart casserole dish and set aside.
- Place bread pieces in medium bowl.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter,.
- Pour butter into the bowl with bread and toss.
- Set breadcrumbs aside.
- In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, heat milk.
- Melt remaining 6 tablespoons butter in a high-sided skilled over medium heat.
- When butter bubbles, add flour.
- Cook, stirring, 1 minute.
- Slowly pour hot milk into flour-butter mixture while whisking.
- Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the mixture bubbles and becomes thick.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in salt, nutmeg, black pepper, cayenne pepper, 3 cups cheddar, and 1 102 cups Gruyere or 1 cup pecorino Romano.
- Set cheese sauce aside.
- Fill a large saucepan with water,. Bring to a boil. Add macaroni: cook 2 to 3 minutes less than manufacturer's directions, until outside of pasta is cooked and inside is underdone. (Different brands of macaroni cook at different rates; be sure to read the instructions.) Transfer the macaroni to a colander, rinse under cold running water, and drain well. Stire macaroni into the reserved cheese sauce.
- Just about now, your kitchen smells wonderful and everyone wants to know "When do we eat?".
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle remaining 1 1/2 cups cheddar and 1/2 cup Gruyere or 1/4 cup pecorino Romano; scatter breadcrumbs over the top. Bake until browned on top, about 30 minutes. Transfer dish to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes; serve.
CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE
Serve this creamy macaroni and cheese recipe, adapted from "Martha Stewart's Cooking School," as an easy and hearty meal-a perfect family dish.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Pasta and Grains
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Heat oven and boil pasta: Heat oven to 375 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add salt generously and cook pasta 2 to 3 minutes less than manufacturer's instructions (the outside should be cooked but the inside underdone. Transfer to a colander, rinse under cold running water, and drain well.
- Meanwhile, make bread crumbs: Tear bread into large pieces and pulse a few times in a food processor to form very large crumbs. Transfer to a bowl, and add melted butter. Toss evenly to coat.
- Prepare baking dishes: Butter eight 6-ounce shallow baking dishes or one 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Make cheese sauce: Melt butter in a 4-quart pot over medium heat, add onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, until bubbling but not browning, about 45 seconds. Add milk and whisk to combine. Bring to a simmer, stirring with a wooden spoon (scrape across the bottom and around edge of pot to prevent scorching), until thickened, about 4 minutes. Add fontina, 2/3 cup grated Gruyere, 1 2/3 cups grated cheddar, and 1/2 cup Parmigianno-Reggiano, stirring until completely melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper, add cayenne and nutmeg, and stir to combine.
- Assemble and add cheese topping: Add pasta to sauce and stir to thoroughly combine. Pour into prepared baking dishes and sprinkle evenly with the reserved cheeses, followed by the bread crumbs. If using, top with roasted tomato slices and thyme.
- Bake: Place dishes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until bubbling and cheese is golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
MEDITERRANEAN MACARONI AND CHEESE
This Mediterranean Macaroni and Cheese is a refreshing take on the rich classic. Jim Raftus, a reader from Elkhart, Indiana, uses the sunny flavors of tomato, olives, and feta in this mac and cheese.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Pasta and Grains
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Set a large pot of salted water to boil and butter an 8-inch square baking dish. In a small bowl, combine tomatoes, olives, and oregano.
- Cook pasta 2 minutes less than package instructions; drain pasta and return to pot. Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium. Add garlic; cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Whisk in milk and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, whisking constantly, until sauce thickens, 3 minutes. Remove from heat; whisk in 4 ounces feta. Stir in tomato mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Pour mixture over pasta; stir to combine.
- Pour pasta mixture into dish and top with 4 ounces feta. Bake until sauce is bubbling and cheese begins to brown, 20 to 25 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Fiber 1 g
MACARONI AND THREE CHEESES
This luxurious macaroni and cheese keeps unbaked in the refrigerator for up to a day; in the oven, it turns piping hot and creamy inside, and golden brown on top in less than an hour. Substitute your favorite melting cheeses (mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and fontina are great options), or vary the proportions of the ones listed here.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Main Dish Recipes Casserole Recipes
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Butter a shallow 4-quart baking dish (oval or 9-by-13-inch rectangle); set aside.
- Generously salt boiling water; add pasta. Cook, according to package instructions, until 2 minutes short of al dente. Drain pasta, and return to pot.
- While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium. Transfer 2 tablespoons melted butter to a small bowl; set aside for topping. Add flour and mustard powder to remaining butter in saucepan. Cook, whisking, 1 minute (do not let flour darken). Whisk in milk. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until sauce is thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove sauce from heat. Gradually whisk in cheeses; add Worcestershire sauce, and season generously with salt and pepper. Add sauce to pasta, and toss to combine; transfer to prepared baking dish.
- Place bread in food processor; pulse until very coarse crumbs form (you should have about 3 cups). Add reserved melted butter, and pulse just to moisten. Scatter crumbs over pasta in baking dish. (If making ahead, cover and refrigerate up to 1 day.)
- Place dish on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake until topping is golden and sauce is bubbling, 15 to 20 minutes. (If refrigerated, bake for 30 to 35 minutes.) Cool 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 584 g, Fat 28 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 24 g
WORLD'S BEST MAC AND CHEESE
It's a bold claim, but this mac and cheese from Kurt Beecher Dammeier's "Pure Flavor" cookbook is that good. Three types of cheese-cheddar, Gruyere, and Jack-add plenty of richness, while a touch of chipotle-chile powder imbues the dish with a subtle smoky flavor.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Pasta and Grains
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter or oil an 8-inch baking dish; set aside.
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain into a colander and rinse under cold water until cool, then drain again.
- Stir together pasta and cheese sauce until well combined. Pour into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with cheeses and chile powder. Bake, uncovered, until lightly browned in places, about 20 minutes. Let stand at least 5 minutes before serving.
BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
Baked Macaroni and Cheese is definitely a kid-friendly choice, but adults will likely enjoy it, too.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Pasta and Grains
Time 50m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter four 14-ounce ovenproof dishes. In a small bowl, toss 1 tablespoon melted butter with breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup cheddar.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook macaroni until al dente, according to package instructions; drain.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring milk to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; add cream cheese, cut into cubes, stir until melted, 2 minutes. Gradually stir in remaining cheddar until melted, 5 minutes. Add cooked pasta, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; toss to combine.
- Divide the mixture among prepared dishes. Bake until bubbling, 10 minutes. Remove from the oven; sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture. Bake until golden, 10 minutes more.
THREE-CHEESE MACARONI
This homemade version of the noodle favorite will make you forget about the boxed orange variety. A sauce made with three kinds of cheeses and a crunchy breadcrumb topping really separate this mac and cheese from its store-bought counterparts.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Pasta and Grains
Time 1h10m
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter 10 mini (1 cup) pie plates or a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs, and toast, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Warm milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Meanwhile, melt remaining 6 tablespoons butter in a large high-sided skillet over medium heat. Cook until butter is bubbling. Add flour. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
- Gradually pour warm milk into butter mixture, whisking constantly. Cook, whisking constantly, until mixture bubbles and thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in 3 cups cheddar, 1 cup Gruyere, 1 cup fontina, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, the nutmeg, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain, and transfer pasta to cheese sauce. Stir to coat. Divide mixture among mini pie plates or transfer to baking dish. Scatter remaining cup cheddar, 1/2 cup Gruyere, and 1/2 cup fontina over top, and sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs. Bake until cheese is melted and pasta is warmed through, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
JOHN LEGEND'S MACARONI AND CHEESE
When musician John Legend visited Martha Stewart, he shared this recipe for his favorite Southern comfort food. Learn how to make the singer's delicious, creamy macaroni and cheese at home.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Pasta and Grains
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Generously butter a 13-by-9-inch glass baking dish; set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add salt and macaroni. Cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain, and return to pot. Add butter, and toss until pasta is coated and butter has melted; set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, skim milk, and eggs. Add seasoned salt, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; set aside. In another medium bowl, combine cheeses; set aside.
- Place 1/3 macaroni in an even layer in the bottom of prepared baking dish; cover evenly with 1/3 cheese. Repeat with remaining macaroni and cheese mixture. Pour milk mixture evenly over contents of baking dish. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake until top layer is lightly browned, 35 to 45 minutes. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH
Ricotta and pureed Butternut squash add extra creaminess to this new Macaroni and Cheese-a favorite comfort-food.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Seasonal Recipes Fall Recipes Butternut Squash Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine squash, stock, and milk in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; simmer until squash is tender when pierced with a fork, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Mash contents of saucepan; stir in nutmeg, cayenne, and salt, and season with black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add noodles; cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 8 minutes. Drain, and transfer to a large bowl; stir in squash mixture, cheddar, ricotta, and 2 tablespoons Parmesan.
- Lightly coat a 9-inch square baking dish (4 inches deep) with cooking spray. Transfer noodle mixture to dish. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan, and oil; sprinkle evenly over noodle mixture.
- Cover with foil, and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil, and continue baking until lightly browned and crisp on top, 30 to 40 minutes more. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 350 g, Cholesterol 18 g, Fat 6 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 16 g, Sodium 505 g
STOVETOP MAC AND CHEESE
This sauce appears thin at first but will thicken after it's tossed with the pasta. To reheat, add a little whole milk to restore the creamy consistency.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Pasta and Grains
Time 55m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium; add onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring frequently, until mixture is pale golden, has a slightly nutty aroma, and is the texture of cooked oatmeal, about 5 minutes.
- Whisking constantly, pour in 2 cups milk; add 2 more cups milk and cayenne and whisk until smooth. Cook mixture, stirring constantly along bottom of pan, until boiling, 6 to 7 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and does not feel grainy when a small amount is rubbed between two fingers, about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente; drain thoroughly and return to pot. Remove sauce from heat and let cool 10 minutes. Quickly whisk in cheese, mustard, and Worcestershire. Pour cheese sauce over pasta and stir to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 607 g, Fat 30 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 28 g
FREEZABLE MACARONI AND CHEESE
This recipe for the kid-friendly pasta bake lets you freeze individual portions and bake them off whenever you need them.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Pasta and Grains
Time 1h40m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water 1 to 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain, rinse with cool water, and return to pot.
- Meanwhile, heat 4 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add flour; cook, whisking, 1 minute. Add milk, cayenne, nutmeg, and 2 teaspoons salt; bring to a simmer. Cook, whisking, until mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in cheeses until smooth. Pour over pasta; toss to coat. Divide among baking dishes.
- Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter; toss with breadcrumbs. Sprinkle over pasta. Cover tightly with plastic wrap; freeze up to 3 months.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place frozen dishes on a baking sheet; remove plastic. Cover with foil. Bake until bubbling, 60 to 70 minutes for large dishes, 40 to 50 minutes for small. Remove foil; continue baking until golden, 5 to 10 minutes more.
EMERIL'S SEAFOOD MAC AND CHEESE
This mac and cheese is a fantastic one-dish meal -- it's so rich and creamy and cheesy, all you'll need is a simple green salad to serve alongside, and your menu is set. Lobster works well in this recipe, but if that seems too luxurious, use any combination of seafood you like.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Seafood Recipes Shrimp Recipes
Time 55m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook macaroni 2 minutes less than al dente. Drain; rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, melt butter over medium in a large saucepan. Transfer 2 tablespoons melted butter to a medium bowl, and reserve. Add onion and garlic to pan; cook until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add flour; cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add milk; whisk until smooth. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer, and cook until sauce has thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Season with 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and nutmeg.
- Remove pan from heat. Fold in seafood, macaroni, and cheese; transfer to a shallow 4-quart baking dish. To bowl with reserved melted butter, add breadcrumbs and Creole seasoning; toss, and scatter over macaroni mixture. Place baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until topping is golden and sauce is bubbling, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 665 g, Fat 30 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 40 g
Tips for Making the Best Macaroni and Cheese:
- Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will have a big impact on the flavor of your macaroni and cheese. Look for a sharp cheddar cheese that is well-aged. You can also use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyère.
- Cook the macaroni perfectly: The macaroni should be cooked al dente, which means it should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Do not overcook the macaroni, or it will become mushy.
- Make a creamy sauce: The sauce should be thick and creamy, but not too heavy. Use a combination of milk, butter, and flour to make the sauce. You can also add other ingredients to the sauce, such as cheese, vegetables, or meat.
- Top with a crunchy topping: A crunchy topping, such as bread crumbs or grated Parmesan cheese, will add texture and flavor to your macaroni and cheese. You can also use a combination of toppings.
- Bake until golden brown: Bake the macaroni and cheese until it is golden brown and bubbly. This will help to set the sauce and create a crispy topping.
Conclusion:
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This dish is relatively easy to make, and there are many different ways to customize it to your liking. Whether you like your macaroni and cheese simple or loaded with toppings, there is a recipe out there for you. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give macaroni and cheese a try.
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