Comfort food at its finest, macaroni and cheese is a classic dish enjoyed by people of all ages. Originating in Europe, it has become a quintessential American dish, often served as a side or main course. Elbow macaroni is typically coated in a creamy cheese sauce, with variations including different types of cheese, bread crumbs, and seasonings. This versatile dish can be easily customized to suit individual tastes and preferences. Our collection of macaroni and cheese recipes offers a variety of options, from classic to unique and innovative. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special dish to impress your guests, you're sure to find the perfect macaroni and cheese recipe here. From the traditional baked macaroni and cheese to skillet versions and even a slow cooker option, these recipes have something for everyone. Get ready to indulge in cheesy, gooey goodness with our mouthwatering macaroni and cheese recipes!
Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!
BEST-EVER MACARONI AND CHEESE
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
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.
MACARONI AND CHEESE V
This is my mom's recipe for macaroni and cheese with a bread crumb topping and a little dry mustard for zip. It is great!! You can make it more or less cheesy, depends on your taste.
Provided by LEACH
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 50m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 2 quart casserole dish. Place the bread crumbs into a small bowl and mix well with the melted butter; set aside.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain, then place into prepared casserole dish.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the minced onion and cook until the onion softens and turns translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the flour, pepper, salt, and dry mustard until incorporated, then pour in the milk and bring to a simmer. Simmer, stirring constantly until the milk has thickened, about 10 minutes. Take the milk off of the heat and stir in the Cheddar cheese until melted. Pour cheese sauce over the macaroni, then sprinkle evenly with buttered bread crumbs.
- Bake until the top is golden and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 460.8 calories, Carbohydrate 43.9 g, Cholesterol 64.8 mg, Fat 23 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 13.9 g, Sodium 413.6 mg, Sugar 5.1 g
MACARONI AND CHEESE
Try Ree Drummond's creamy Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Food Network.
Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network
Time 55m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cook the macaroni until still slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg. In a large pot, melt the butter and sprinkle in the flour. Whisk together over medium-low heat. Cook for a couple of minutes, whisking constantly. Don't let it burn. Pour in the milk, add the mustard and whisk until smooth. Cook until very thick, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low.
- Take 1/4 cup of the sauce and slowly pour it into the beaten egg, whisking constantly to avoid cooking the eggs. Whisk together until smooth. Pour the egg into the sauce, whisking constantly. Stir until smooth. Add in the cheese and stir to melt. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt and the pepper. Add any additional spices if desired. Taste the sauce and add more salt and seasoned salt as needed! DO NOT UNDERSALT.
- Pour in the drained, cooked macaroni and stir to combine. Serve immediately (while it's still very creamy) or pour into a buttered baking dish, top with extra cheese and bake until bubbly and golden on top, 20 to 25 minutes.
- Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until slightly crisp, about 8 minutes. Remove from the pan and cut into bite-size pieces.
- In a separate pan, cook the onions in the butter over a low heat until caramelized, 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Use a fork to crumble the gorgonzola.
- Put the bacon, caramelized onions and crumbled gorgonzola into separate bowls. Serve as delicious toppings for both sliders and macaroni cheese.
CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE
This is the ultimate creamy mac and cheese recipe. It's saucy, thick and very rich, with a wonderful cheddar flavor. Once you taste it, you'll be hooked. -Cindy Hartley, Chesapeake, Virginia
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 55m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. , Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add 1-1/2 cups milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat; stir in sour cream, Velveeta, Parmesan cheese, salt, mustard and pepper until smooth and cheese is melted. Add additional milk to reach desired consistency. , Drain macaroni; toss with cheddar cheese. Transfer to a greased 3-qt. baking dish. Stir in cream sauce. , Bake, uncovered, 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 653 calories, Fat 46g fat (30g saturated fat), Cholesterol 143mg cholesterol, Sodium 1141mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 25g protein.
SOUTHERN MACARONI AND CHEESE
There is macaroni and cheese, and then there is special occasion macaroni and cheese like this one. Unlike most recipes, which start with a roux, this one begins with a milk-and-egg base, which gives the dish an incredibly rich, silky taste. It's adapted from Millie Peartree, the owner of Millie Peartree Fish Fry & Soul Food restaurant in the Bronx, who has been making this dish since she was a little girl. The recipe was passed down in her family for generations, but because of the generous amount of cheese used, the dish was only made for events like Christmas and Thanksgiving. Extra-sharp Cheddar adds tartness and a layer of Colby Jack creates a gooey, molten center. If you can't find a Colby Jack blend, shredded mozzarella or a Mexican-style blend will work in its place.
Provided by Kiera Wright-Ruiz
Categories dinner, weeknight, casseroles, noodles, pastas, main course, side dish
Time 45m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions until a little under al dente, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk milk and eggs. Add cooked macaroni, 2 cups extra-sharp Cheddar, melted butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and stir until well combined.
- Add half the macaroni mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish in an even layer. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups Colby Jack evenly on top. Spread the remaining macaroni mixture on top in an even layer. Cover with aluminum foil, transfer to the middle rack of the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven. Carefully remove and discard the aluminum foil. Top the macaroni mixture with the remaining 2 cups Cheddar and 1/2 cup Colby Jack. Broil on top rack until cheese is browned in spots, 3 to 5 minutes. (The broiled cheese can go from golden to burnt fairly quickly, so keep a close eye on it.)
- Remove from oven and let cool until the macaroni and cheese is fully set, 10 to 15 minutes. (The mixture may first appear jiggly, but it will firm up as it cools.) Serve warm.
MACARONI AND CHEESE
When it comes to comfort food, nothing tops mac 'n' cheese, especially Martha's easy-to-make version.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Pasta and Grains
Yield Serves 12
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 3-quart casserole dish; set aside. Place bread in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Pour butter into 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 skillet over medium heat. When butter bubbles, add flour. Cook, whisking, 1 minute.
- While whisking, slowly pour in hot milk. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the mixture bubbles and becomes thick.
- Remove pan from heat. Stir in salt, nutmeg, black pepper, cayenne pepper, 3 cups cheddar cheese, and 1 1/2 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 the outside of pasta is cooked and the inside is underdone. (Different brands of macaroni cook at different rates; be sure to read the instructions.) Transfer macaroni to a colander, rinse under cold running water, and drain well. Stir macaroni into the reserved cheese sauce
- Pour mixture into prepared dish. Sprinkle remaining 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup Gruyere or 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano, and breadcrumbs over top. Bake until browned on top, about 30 minutes. Transfer dish to a wire rack to cool 5 minutes; serve hot.
FAMILY-FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE
Creamy and cheesy, this homemade mac and cheese recipe is just the ticket for traditional comfort food, but with lots of mix-in possibilities that help you put a flavor-forward twist on a classic recipe. Check out the Expert Tips section below for suggestions on adding bacon, caramelized onions, fire-roasted diced tomatoes and even lobster.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 50m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package.
- While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in 3-quart saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constanly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.
- Gently stir macaroni into cheese sauce.
- Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 400, Carbohydrate 34 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 1 g, Protein 17 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 560 mg
QUESO MACARONI AND CHEESE
Oh yes we did! This creamy, zippy spin on macaroni and cheese is a queso lover's dream come true. Top with your favorite fresh toppings for a simple casserole that no one can resist.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 1h
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
- Meanwhile, in 5-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper, cumin and salt; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peppers are just starting to soften. Transfer to small bowl; stir in green chiles, and reserve.
- Return Dutch oven to medium heat; melt butter in Dutch oven. With whisk, stir in flour until smooth. Cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes or until mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Gradually stir in milk. Increase heat to medium-high; heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute; reduce heat to medium. Stir in Velveeta™ cheese, and cook until melted, stirring occasionally. Stir in pasta and reserved vegetables. Remove from heat. Pour mixture into baking dish; top with Cheddar cheese.
- Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until edges are bubbly and cheese is melted. Top with remaining ingredients.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 500, Carbohydrate 53 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 21 g, SaturatedFat 12 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1120 mg, Sugar 11 g, TransFat 1/2 g
PATTI LABELLE'S MACARONI AND CHEESE
Got this off of the "Good Morning America" website after I saw her cook this on the show. This is the best macaroni and cheese I have ever tasted!!
Provided by yooper
Categories Cheese
Time 50m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Lightly butter a deep 2 1/2 quart baking dish.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rapid boil.
- Add macaroni and the 1 TB oil.
- Cook for 7 minutes, or until somewhat tender.
- Drain well, and return to the pot.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt 8 TB of the butter.
- Stir into macaroni.
- In a large bowl, combine all of the shredded cheeses.
- To the macaroni, add 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheeses, half and half, the cubed cheese and the eggs, and the seasoned salt and pepper.
- Transfer to the prepared casserole dish, and top with remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese.
- Dot with remaining 1 TB of the butter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve hot.
- Serves 8.
Tips:
- When choosing macaroni, select a variety that will hold its shape well during cooking, such as elbow macaroni or penne.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Do not overcook, as this will make the macaroni mushy.
- For a creamy cheese sauce, use a combination of sharp cheddar and mild cheddar cheeses. You can also add other cheeses, such as Parmesan or Gruyère, for extra flavor.
- To make the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to combine. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Add the cheese and whisk until melted and smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce to taste with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- To make the macaroni and cheese, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and cooked vegetables (if using) in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the macaroni and cheese in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion:
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. You can add different types of cheese, vegetables, and proteins to create a unique and delicious macaroni and cheese dish. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, macaroni and cheese is a great choice.
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