Indulge in the cheesy goodness of Cracker Barrel's iconic Macaroni and Cheese, now you can recreate this beloved dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Our copycat recipe captures the essence of this classic side dish, using simple ingredients to deliver a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying macaroni and cheese experience. Additionally, we've included a variation that introduces a crispy, golden-brown crust using crushed crackers, taking this dish to a whole new level of cheesy perfection. Both recipes are easy to follow, ensuring a hassle-free cooking experience. Prepare to delight your taste buds with the homemade version of Cracker Barrel's Macaroni and Cheese, a perfect accompaniment to your favorite main courses or as a standalone meal.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
MACARONI & CHEESE - CRACKER BARREL COPYCAT
Here is the one I use. It is as close to their *original* mac & cheese as I have found. The mac & cheese they currently serve has changed some since their original recipe.
Provided by sk8way
Categories High In...
Time 40m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a sauce pan melt butter over medium low heat then add the flour a little bit at a time while whisking to make a roux. Heat the broth. Next add the broth to the roux, stir with the whisk. This will thicken as it heats. Next add a little cream watch for consistency.Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a separate pot, add salt, and pasta.
- In the other pot add shredded cheese a 1/4 of a cup at a time while stirring with a spoon. When you have about one cup of cheese in you can add the rest of the cheese.
- Cook the pasta al dente. Strain and combine with the cheese sauce.Pour the mix into a casserole and bake uncovered in a preheated oven set to 350°F for about 10 minutes. **Optional, you can mix melted butter and bread crumbs and sprinkle lightly on top.
- Keep an eye on the mac & cheese, you want it to brown around the edges and in patches on top.
- Let stand for 10 min before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 441.6, Fat 23.4, SaturatedFat 14.3, Cholesterol 71.9, Sodium 694.2, Carbohydrate 38.9, Fiber 1.5, Sugar 1.5, Protein 18.6
CRACKER BARREL BAKED MACARONI & CHEESE
There is another recipe on Zaar for this, but the ingredients are different. Let's see if this one is even close to the awesomeness of Cracker Barrel's! Received by way of email this morning: From Chef Tom: "Nothing reminds me of old fashioned home cooking more than Cracker Barrel. This Macaroni and Cheese is just like Mom used to make!"
Provided by senseicheryl
Categories Grains
Time 30m
Yield 1 2 quart baking dish
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- In saucepan, melt butter. Blend in flour, salt and mustard. Add milk, stir constantly until sauce thickens a little. Add 1 1/2 cups cheese, heat until melted, stirring. Remove from heat.
- Meanwhile, cook macaroni as directed; drain. Combine with sauce in a buttered 2 quart casserole; top with remaining cheese, then buttered bread crumbs and sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until nicely browned.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 2463.3, Fat 126, SaturatedFat 77.1, Cholesterol 383.8, Sodium 4400.1, Carbohydrate 220.7, Fiber 8.9, Sugar 6.9, Protein 110
CRACKER BARREL MACARONI AND CHEESE
This recipe is posted in response to a request. I found it through a Google search. I've never tried the recipe, nor CB's mac and cheese, but it sounds like it would be really good! Note: times are approximate.
Provided by Mel T
Categories Cheese
Time 40m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium low heat; add the flour a little bit at a time whilst whisking to make a roux.
- Heat the broth.
- Next, add the broth to the roux, and stir with the whisk; this will thicken as it heats.
- Add a little cream, watching for the desired consistency.
- Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a separate pot; add salt and pasta.
- In the other pot, add shredded cheese a 1/4 of a cup at a time whilst stirring with a spoon. When you have about one cup of cheese in you can add the rest of the cheese.
- Cook the pasta until al dente; strain and combine with the cheese sauce.
- Pour the mix into a casserole and bake uncovered in a preheated oven set to 350°F for about 10 minutes.
- Keep an eye on the mac & cheese, you want it to brown around the edges and in patches on top.
- Remove and let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips:
- Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will greatly affect the flavor of your macaroni and cheese. A good quality cheddar cheese is essential for a rich and creamy sauce.
- Cook the macaroni al dente: Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian, and it refers to the ideal texture for cooked pasta. Macaroni that is cooked al dente is slightly firm to the bite and holds its shape well.
- Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the sauce. A roux will help to prevent the sauce from becoming too thin and watery.
- Use milk and cream: Milk and cream add richness and creaminess to the sauce. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even skim milk if you're watching your calories. If you want a really rich sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Season the sauce: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are essential seasonings for macaroni and cheese. You can also add other spices, such as cayenne pepper, paprika, or cumin, to taste.
- Top with breadcrumbs: Buttered breadcrumbs add a crispy and golden-brown topping to macaroni and cheese. You can use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs, such as Italian-style breadcrumbs.
Conclusion:
Cracker Barrel macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. This copycat recipe is easy to make and tastes just like the real thing. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can enjoy this delicious dish in the comfort of your own home.
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