Best 4 Nics Easiest Creamiest Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

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Title: Embark on a Creamy Culinary Journey with Nic's Easiest and Creamiest Macaroni and Cheese

Immerse yourself in a world of cheesy delight with Nic's Easiest and Creamiest Macaroni and Cheese. This iconic dish, loved by people of all ages, takes center stage with its velvety smooth texture, gooey cheese pull, and irresistible flavor. Nic's recipe promises an effortless cooking experience, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality macaroni and cheese at home.

The article features a collection of macaroni and cheese recipes that cater to diverse preferences. From the classic stovetop version to the indulgent baked rendition, each recipe offers a unique twist on this timeless comfort food. Whether you prefer a simple yet satisfying meal or an extravagant culinary creation, you'll find a recipe here that suits your taste buds.

Nic's Easiest Macaroni and Cheese: This stovetop recipe epitomizes simplicity and ease. With just a few pantry staples and 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that will leave you craving more.

Creamiest Macaroni and Cheese: For those who adore rich and luxurious textures, this baked macaroni and cheese is the ultimate indulgence. A combination of cheeses, including cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese, creates an irresistibly smooth and creamy sauce that coats every noodle perfectly.

Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon: Experience the harmonious blend of smoky bacon and velvety cheese in this savory variation. Crispy bacon bits add a delightful crunch and extra flavor dimension, elevating this dish to a new level of deliciousness.

Macaroni and Cheese with Vegetables: For those seeking a healthier twist, this recipe incorporates colorful vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. The vegetables add a vibrant pop of color and nutrients to the classic dish, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Macaroni and Cheese with Herbs: Elevate the classic macaroni and cheese with a burst of aromatic herbs. Fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley infuse the dish with a delightful savory flavor, creating a sophisticated and elegant variation that will impress your dinner guests.

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

CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Creamy Macaroni and Cheese image

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

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 to 2 cups 2% milk
1 cup sour cream
8 ounces cubed Velveeta
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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.

EASY CREAMY MAC 'N CHEESE



Easy Creamy Mac 'N Cheese image

Our recipe for Easy Creamy Mac 'N Cheese has only 5 ingredients and is on the table in less than 30 minutes. What's not to love about that?! Whether you serve it on the side or as a main dish, it's comfort food that the whole family will love.

Provided by Country Crock®

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Country Crock®

Time 20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 5

8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 ½ cups milk
¼ cup Country Crock® Spread
2 tablespoons flour
1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta in large pot according to package directions.
  • Meanwhile, whisk milk, Country Crock® Spread, and flour in large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently. Reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in cheese until melted; remove from heat. Drain pasta and fold into the sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 292.3 calories, Carbohydrate 33.1 g, Cholesterol 34.5 mg, Fat 11.2 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 14.2 g, SaturatedFat 6.8 g, Sodium 202.7 mg, Sugar 4 g

CREAMY BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

This baked mac and cheese - perfect for a large crowd or as a side dish - is super simple to make. The cream cheese gives it richness and a little tang.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 50m

Yield Serves 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Kosher salt
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 1/2 cups half and half
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pound cream cheese, room temperature
8 ounces sharp Cheddar, shredded (about 3 cups)
3 ounces gruyere cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
1 cup panko bread crumbs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Steps:

  • Set an oven rack 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until it is al dente, about 6 minutes. Strain, reserving 1 3/4 cups of the pasta water. Set aside.
  • Heat the half-and-half and cayenne in a large saucepan over medium heat until it just comes to a simmer. Continue simmering until the half-and-half is reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 15 minutes. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Whisk in the Cheddar and Gruyere until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Add the macaroni and the reserved pasta water to the saucepan and stir to combine. (It will look very loose, but the pasta will suck up a lot of the sauce as it bakes.) Season to taste with salt if needed. Pour into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Toss the bread crumbs with the butter and a sprinkle of salt in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and the bread crumbs are lightly browned and crispy, about 10 minutes.

GNOCCHI NICOISE



Gnocchi Nicoise image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 47m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
4 ounces bacon, diced
4 cloves garlic, smashed
1/2 pound coarsely ground beef (look for "chili grind")
2 tablespoons brandy or red wine
3 shallots, chopped
1 cup diced carrots
1 stalk celery, sliced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 15-ounce can plum tomatoes
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 bay leaf
2 1-inch strips orange peel
2/3 cup nicoise olives, pitted and chopped
1 package (about 1 pound) vacuum-packed gnocchi

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and garlic; cook until the bacon starts to brown, about 4 minutes. Add the ground beef; cook, stirring, 3 minutes. Add the brandy, shallots, carrots, celery and tomato paste; cook until the vegetables soften, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Crush the tomatoes into the pan with your hands and add any juices from the can. Stir in the broth, bay leaf, orange peel and olives. Bring to a simmer and lower the heat; cover and cook 20 minutes. Uncover, increase the heat and bring to a boil to thicken the sauce.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil the gnocchi until one floats to the top, about 1 minute. Drain immediately to prevent the gnocchi from becoming mushy. Remove the orange peel and bay leaf from the sauce and season with salt and pepper. Toss the gnocchi with the sauce.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality cheese: It's the star of the dish, so make sure you use a cheese that you love. A good cheddar is always a classic choice, but you can also experiment with Gruyère, Parmesan, or Gouda.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente: This means that it should be cooked until it's just tender, but still has a little bit of a bite to it. This will help it hold its shape in the sauce.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that helps to thicken the sauce. It's essential for a creamy macaroni and cheese.
  • Use milk and cream: Milk and cream add richness and flavor to the sauce. You can use whole milk or 2%, but don't use skim milk. It will make the sauce too thin.
  • Season the sauce: Don't forget to season the sauce with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This will help to bring out the flavors of the cheese and the other ingredients.
  • Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients to your macaroni and cheese, such as cooked chicken, bacon, or vegetables. This is a great way to make it a more complete meal.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that's loved by people of all ages. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you're serving it as a main course or a side dish, this creamy macaroni and cheese is sure to be a hit. So next time you're looking for a simple but delicious meal, give this recipe a try!

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