Best 6 Macaroni Cheese For A Crowd Recipes

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**Macaroni and cheese**, a delectable dish enjoyed by people of all ages, is a classic comfort food. Originating in the 14th century, it has undergone various transformations and adaptations, resulting in a diverse range of recipes. From the traditional baked mac and cheese with its golden-brown crust to the modern variations featuring unique ingredients and flavors, this dish continues to capture hearts and palates worldwide. In this article, we present a collection of macaroni and cheese recipes, each with its own distinct character, catering to different tastes and preferences. Whether you seek a rich and creamy rendition, a healthier alternative, or a dish with a spicy kick, this article offers a recipe that will satisfy your cravings. Indulge in the cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese, a culinary delight that promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.**

**Recipes:**

1. **Classic Baked Mac and Cheese:** A timeless recipe that embodies the essence of macaroni and cheese, featuring a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, baked to perfection with a crispy crust.

2. **Southern Mac and Cheese:** This recipe adds a touch of Southern charm with the use of sharp cheddar cheese, buttermilk, and a hint of cayenne pepper, resulting in a flavorful and creamy dish.

3. **Healthy Mac and Cheese:** A lighter version of the classic, made with whole-wheat pasta, low-fat milk, and a combination of reduced-fat cheeses, providing a guilt-free indulgence.

4. **Spicy Mac and Cheese:** For those who love a little heat, this recipe incorporates spicy ingredients such as jalapeños, chipotle peppers, and paprika, adding a fiery twist to the cheesy goodness.

5. **Lobster Mac and Cheese:** An extravagant take on macaroni and cheese, featuring succulent lobster meat, a creamy cheese sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, creating a luxurious and unforgettable dish.

6. **Truffle Mac and Cheese:** This recipe elevates macaroni and cheese with the addition of aromatic truffle oil, imparting a rich and earthy flavor that will leave you craving more.

7. **Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Mac and Cheese:** A vibrant and flavorful variation that incorporates sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a blend of cheeses, offering a healthy and colorful twist on the classic dish.

8. **Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese:** This recipe combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with a creamy macaroni and cheese base, creating a tantalizing combination that will satisfy your cravings for both spice and comfort.

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

MAC 'N' CHEESE FOR A BUNCH



Mac 'n' Cheese for a Bunch image

You'll satisfy many taste buds with this rich and comforting dish from Dixie Terry from Goreville, Illinois. Tender macaroni is covered in a creamy, homemade cheese sauce, and then topped with golden bread crumbs. A true crowd pleaser!

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 36 servings (1 cup each).

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 packages (two 16 ounces, one 7 ounces) elbow macaroni
1-1/4 cups butter, divided
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
3 quarts milk
3 pounds sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1-1/2 cups dry bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions until almost tender., Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. In a large stock pot, melt 1 cup butter. Stir in flour and salt until smooth. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, 2 minutes. Reduce heat. Add cheese, stirring until melted. Drain macaroni; stir into sauce., Transfer to 3 greased 13x9-in. baking dishes. Melt remaining butter; toss with bread crumbs. Sprinkle over casseroles. , Bake, uncovered, until golden brown, 35-40 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 395 calories, Fat 23g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 68mg cholesterol, Sodium 510mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 17g protein.

CROWD-SOURCED MAC AND CHEESE



Crowd-Sourced Mac and Cheese image

"Macaroni and cheese holds a special place in my heart. I grew up on my mom's recipe, which she made only on special occasions; in between she made the pinch hitter from the blue box. As an adult, I developed a recipe for Spicy Mac and Cheese that I credit with making my former catering company successful. That catering company led me to Food Network - so my love affair with mac and cheese is real! During a 2016 episode of The Kitchen, my cohosts, two guests and I attempted to make the ultimate Thanksgiving macaroni and cheese, a group effort in which each person secretly added an ingredient. The result was a stovetop version with a creamy cheddar and gruyere bechamel. Our pasta was cavatappi (my addition) and we added brussels sprouts, squash and a toasted breadcrumb topping. It wasn't bad, but viewers thought there were too many cooks in the kitchen. People started debating what the perfect macaroni and cheese should be, so I thought it would be fun to post a Twitter poll inviting passionate mac and cheese eaters to share their preferences for the "grater" good. Here's what you came up with. Whether or not to top it was a tie, so the test kitchen made it both ways - you can pick a side!" says Sunny.

Provided by Sunny Anderson

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

7 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish
Kosher salt
1 pound elbow macaroni
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 1/2 teaspoons mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese (about 8 ounces)
2 cups grated gouda cheese (about 8 ounces)
1 1/2 cups grated mild cheddar cheese (about 6 ounces)
1/2 cup crushed butter crackers (such as Ritz)
1/2 cup crushed potato chips

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 ̊ F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs for al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking water.
  • Meanwhile, melt 6 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking, until smooth and lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth, then add the mustard powder, cayenne, nutmeg and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce simmers and thickens slightly, 7 to 8 minutes.
  • Whisk the cheeses into the sauce one at a time, letting the cheese melt before adding more. Stir in the pasta to coat, adding the reserved cooking water as needed to loosen. (It's OK if the sauce is loose - it will thicken as it bakes.)
  • Transfer the mac and cheese to the baking dish. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, then mix with the crushed crackers and chips. Sprinkle over half of the mac and cheese. Bake until the top is browned, 20 to 25 minutes.

MACARONI AND CHEESE FOR A CROWD



Macaroni and Cheese for a Crowd image

If you need to serve a big group this recipe is ideal! This is an easy and basic mac and cheese recipe that is sure to please everyone. It isn't overly cheesy and has a crunchy topping. Need to serve more than 50 people? No problem, just change the serving size using our handy tool. A standard catering-sized pan (20x12x4) should work for 50 half-cup servings.

Time 55m

Yield 50

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
5 pounds elbow macaroni
10 cups milk, divided
2 pounds Colby cheese, shredded
2 pounds sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs or crumbled buttery crackers
1/2 cup melted butter

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Make a roux by melting butter, add flour and stir, then cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring constantly. Set aside to cool. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and put into a disposable foil pan. While macaroni is cooking, heat 8 cups of the milk, add the Colby and Cheddar cheeses and cook over medium heat while stirring to melt cheese. Add the salt and white pepper to the cheese mixture. Add the roux and stir until well thickened. Add this cheese sauce to the cooked macaroni and mix well to coat macaroni. Pour in the remaining 2 cups milk. Combine the bread or cracker crumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the macaroni. You may prepare it this far, refrigerate, and bake it later. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 30-45 minutes or until bubbly in the middle.

Nutrition Facts :

MACARONI AND CHEESE FOR A CROWD



Macaroni and Cheese for a Crowd image

Make and share this Macaroni and Cheese for a Crowd recipe from Food.com.

Provided by five.starr

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 1h

Yield 3/4 cup, 200 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

20 lbs American cheese
5 gallons 1% low-fat milk
4 lbs salted butter
12 cups flour
20 lbs elbow macaroni
1/4 cup salt

Steps:

  • In huge stockpot, melt butter and flour.
  • Cook until roux is formed.
  • In industrial size trunin, (huge kettle), add milk and cheese. Cook until cheese is melted and blended.
  • Add rue.
  • In other kettle, cook macaroni noodles.
  • Drain, and add to cheese mixture.
  • Stir until thickened.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 451.8, Fat 20.1, SaturatedFat 12.4, Cholesterol 53.3, Sodium 676.6, Carbohydrate 48.3, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 5.8, Protein 18.9

POTLUCK MACARONI AND CHEESE



Potluck Macaroni and Cheese image

You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. -Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 2h25m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 package (16 ounces) Velveeta, cubed
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
1-3/4 cups whole milk
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
3/4 cup butter, melted
3 large eggs, lightly beaten

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente; drain. Transfer to a greased 5-qt. slow cooker. Stir in remaining ingredients., Cook, covered, on low 2 to 2-1/2 hours or until a thermometer reads at least 160°, stirring once.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 388 calories, Fat 28g fat (17g saturated fat), Cholesterol 122mg cholesterol, Sodium 652mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 17g protein.

MACARONI & CHEESE FOR A CROWD



Macaroni & Cheese for a Crowd image

Using evaporated milk makes this baked mac and cheese exceptionally rich and creamy-it may be for a crowd, but it's bound to go quickly.

Provided by Nestlé USA

Categories     Macaroni and Cheese     Dinner     Kid-Friendly     Cheddar     Cheese     Pasta     Bake     Monterey Jack     Casserole/Gratin     Small Plates

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 box (16 oz.) dry, small elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cans (12 fl. oz. each) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk
2 cups water
1/4 cup butter or margarine
3 cups (12 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Monterey Jack or hot pepper Monterey Jack cheese
1 pinch paprika

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease 13x9-inch baking dish or disposable baking pan.
  • Combine cornstarch, salt and pepper in large saucepan. Stir in evaporated milk, water and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in cheeses until melted. Place macaroni into prepared dish. Pour cheese sauce over macaroni; stir to coat. Sprinkle with paprika.
  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.
  • This recipe is made available as a courtesy by VeryBestBaking.com, a property of NESTLÉ USA.

Tips:

  • Use a large pot: This recipe makes a lot of macaroni and cheese, so be sure to use a large pot to cook the pasta and make the sauce.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian, and it refers to the perfect doneness of pasta. The pasta should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of equal parts butter and flour that is used to thicken sauces. It is essential for making macaroni and cheese sauce.
  • Use a sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese has a bold flavor that will stand up to the other ingredients in the macaroni and cheese.
  • Add some milk or cream: Milk or cream will make the macaroni and cheese sauce smooth and creamy.
  • Don't overcook the macaroni and cheese: Once the cheese is melted, the macaroni and cheese is ready to serve. Overcooking will make the sauce thick and rubbery.

Conclusion:

This macaroni and cheese recipe is a great way to feed a crowd. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Whether you like your macaroni and cheese mild or sharp, with or without vegetables, this recipe is sure to please everyone.

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