Best 6 Masterful Mac N Cheese Recipes

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Macaroni and cheese, a timeless classic dish enjoyed by people of all ages, is a culinary symphony that blends creamy, gooey cheese with tender pasta, resulting in a comforting and delectable meal. This versatile dish has inspired countless variations, each boasting unique flavors and textures. Our collection of mac and cheese recipes takes you on a culinary journey, exploring a diverse range of taste sensations, from the classic stovetop version to innovative takes that incorporate different cheeses, mix-ins, and cooking methods. Whether you prefer a traditional baked mac and cheese, a quick and easy one-pot version, or a gourmet rendition featuring artisanal cheeses, our recipes cater to every palate and skill level. Prepare to embark on a cheesy adventure as we delve into the world of mac and cheese, discovering the secrets to creating the perfect dish that will leave your taste buds craving more.

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.

MAC AND CHEESE



Mac and Cheese image

Raise the volume with Ina Garten's creamy Mac and Cheese recipe, made with Gruy�re, fresh tomatoes and nutmeg for warmth, from Food Network's Barefoot Contessa.

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     side-dish

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Kosher salt
Vegetable oil
1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi
1 quart milk
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
12 ounces Gruyere, grated (4 cups)
8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (2 cups)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 pound fresh tomatoes (4 small)
1 1/2 cups fresh white bread crumbs (5 slices, crusts removed)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.
  • Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don't boil it. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large (4-quart) pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the Gruyere, Cheddar, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cooked macaroni and stir well. Pour into a 3-quart baking dish.
  • Slice the tomatoes and arrange on top. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, combine them with the fresh bread crumbs, and sprinkle on the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY



How To Make The Best Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe by Tasty image

Nothing says comfort like a homemade baked mac and cheese. Our favorite version is made with a luscious and creamy sauce that pools in the pasta shells for the ultimate cheesy feel-good food.

Provided by Aleya Zenieris

Time 1h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for boiling
8 oz dried pasta shells
10 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
4 oz american cheese, cubed
2 tablespoons cornstarch
½ stick unsalted butter
1 teaspoon mustard powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 ½ cups whole milk
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 large egg
2 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
2 oz parmesan cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than recommended on the package (you want the pasta to have a slight bite; it will finish cooking while it bakes).
  • In a large bowl, combine 8 ounces shredded cheddar with the American cheese and cornstarch. Use your fingers to gently toss until all of the cheese is coated.
  • Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. As the butter begins to sizzle, add the mustard powder and cayenne and stir to combine. Toast the spices until the butter turns golden brown, about 1 minute.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the milk begins to simmer, with small bubbles rapidly rising to the surface, about 3 minutes.
  • Whisk the egg in a small bowl, then temper it by slowly adding in spoonfuls of the simmering milk mixture while continuing to whisk until incorporated.
  • Slowly drizzle the tempered egg back into the milk mixture, whisking vigorously until the egg is fully incorporated.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and add the cheddar cheese mixture, a small handful at a time, whisking between each addition to make sure the cheese melts evenly (mix quickly enough that the mixture does not cool too rapidly, but slowly enough that the emulsion does not break).
  • Add the cooked pasta to the pot and gently fold to coat with the sauce, then season with 1 teaspoon salt. Pour the pasta and sauce into an 8-inch square baking dish with 2-inch-high sides (at this point, the pasta can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 3 days).
  • In a medium bowl, combine the remaining 2 ounces of cheddar cheese, the mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle on top of the pasta.
  • Bake the mac and cheese until the cheese is melted and beginning to bubble around the edges, about 20 minutes. Turn the broiler on high and broil the mac and cheese until the cheese begins to brown all over, about 5 minutes. Let the mac and cheese sit for 5 minutes for the sauce set and cool slightly.
  • Serve warm.
  • Enjoy!

EASIEST MAC-N-CHEESE EVER!



Easiest Mac-N-Cheese Ever! image

I have tried many more-complicated recipes for macaroni and cheese. Not only is this one often requested for family functions, but it is easy to make! Kids LOVE this recipe. It is so handy for busy moms.

Provided by Anncredible

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

Time 20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 4

4 ounces elbow macaroni
4 ounces cubed processed cheese food
2 fluid ounces milk
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes; drain.
  • Place a saucepan over medium-low heat. Combine the cheese food, milk, and pepper in the saucepan; cook until the cheese has melted, stirring frequently. Stir in the drained macaroni until evenly coated.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 136.2 calories, Carbohydrate 15.9 g, Cholesterol 15.7 mg, Fat 5.2 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 6.2 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 241.5 mg, Sugar 2.4 g

MASTERFUL MAC 'N' CHEESE



Masterful Mac 'n' Cheese image

From the Sneaky Chef cookbook by Missy Chase Lapine. She says this is a nutritionally enhanced version of her stepmother's delicious recipe from Finland.

Provided by Sharon123

Categories     Cheese

Time 55m

Yield 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 lb macaroni (preferably whole wheat)
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4-1/2 cup orange puree (My Take on Sneaky Orange Puree and or Sneaky Chef Make-Ahead White Puree)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups grated colby cheese (or cheddar cheese)
1 cup whole grain cereal flake (like Wheaties or Total)
1/4 cup wheat germ, unsweetened
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter, diced into small pieces (or use Smart Balance)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375*F.
  • Butter a 9" square baking pan.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package directions, until firm and slightly undercooked(8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the milk with the oange puree and salt.(and white puree if using-if using both use 1/4 cup each). Put half the macaroni into the baking pan and top with half colby(or cheddar) cheese.
  • Next, layer with the rest of the macaroni, then pour the milk mixture over the top, finishing with the last of the cheese on top.
  • If using Crunchy Topping Variation, use a rolling pin to gently crush cereal in a sealed plastic bag. Or, you can quickly pulse the cereal in a food processor. Add wheat germ and Parmesan to the bag and shake to mix.
  • Sprinkle crumb mixture on top of macaroni and cheese and dot with butter.
  • Bake 30-35 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.

MASTERFUL MAC 'N' CHEESE



Masterful Mac 'n' Cheese image

From The Sneaky Chef by Missy Chase Lapine. I love the way Ms. Lapine helps me sneak even more nutrition into tasty recipe.

Provided by Mandus

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 45m

Yield 6 cups, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1/2 lb macaroni
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup cauliflower, boiled and pureed
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Grease a 9x9 baking dish.
  • Cook macaroni to slightly underdone, according to directions on package.
  • Whisk together milk, white puree, salt, and eggs in a separate bowl.
  • Layer half of noodles, then half of cheese, then remaining noodles in baking dish. Pour milk mixture on top. Cover with remaining cheese.
  • Bake 30-35 minutes or until golden and bubbling.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 358.4, Fat 16.9, SaturatedFat 10, Cholesterol 118.6, Sodium 485.3, Carbohydrate 32.3, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 1.2, Protein 18.6

Tips:

  • Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will greatly impact the flavor of your mac and cheese. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a bold flavor, or a milder cheese like mozzarella or Gruyère for a more subtle flavor.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente: Macaroni should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy when it is baked.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the sauce. This will help to keep the cheese sauce smooth and creamy.
  • Use milk and cream: Milk and cream add richness and flavor to the cheese sauce. Use whole milk for a richer sauce, or skim milk for a lighter sauce.
  • Season the sauce: Be sure to season the sauce with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. This will help to enhance the flavor of the cheese.
  • Top with breadcrumbs: A topping of breadcrumbs adds a nice crunch to mac and cheese. You can use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs for a more flavorful topping.

Conclusion:

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious mac and cheese that will be the hit of your next party or gathering.

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