Best 8 Not Your Moms Mac And Cheese Recipes

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**Mac and cheese**, a classic comfort food dish, has been enjoyed by people of all ages for generations. This versatile dish can be prepared in countless ways, with variations ranging from the traditional to the downright inventive. Our collection of recipes offers something for every palate, from the classic stovetop macaroni and cheese to baked versions, air fryer mac and cheese and even a vegan mac and cheese. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, we've got you covered. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's embark on a cheesy adventure!

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

PIONEER WOMAN'S NOT YOUR GRANNY'S MAC & CHEESE



Pioneer Woman's Not Your Granny's Mac & Cheese image

From Pioneer Woman's blog. I haven't made this yet but it looks positively scrumptious! Please visit her blog for some mouth-watering pictures and recipes.

Provided by GoodnPlentiful

Categories     Cheese

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 cups cooked macaroni or 4 cups cavatappi pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4-1/2 finely diced red onion
1/4-1/2 diced red bell pepper
1 finely diced jalapeno
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies
1 cup frozen corn
2 -3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 cup cream
1 cup grated monterey jack pepper cheese
2 tablespoons butter
salt
pepper

Steps:

  • Boil pasta until al dente.
  • In a large skillet, add olive oil and saute garlic and vegetables over medium heat for a couple of minutes.
  • Add in canned chilies and stir around, then turn off heat.
  • Drain pasta and add it to skillet.
  • Pour on cream, add cheese, then add salt and pepper to taste and stir gently.
  • At the end, add 2 tablespoons butter and stir again. Check seasonings and serve.
  • Serve with juicy steak, with grilled shrimp, chicken, or on its own. It'll change your life for the better.

MOM'S MACARONI AND CHEESE



Mom's Macaroni and Cheese image

The wonderful homemade goodness of this creamy Velveeta mac and cheese makes it a staple side dish in my mother's kitchen and in mine as well. It has tender noodles and a crowd-pleasing golden crumb topping. -Maria Costello, Monroe, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Side Dishes

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1-1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
5 tablespoons butter, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 ounces cubed Velveeta
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat. Add the cheeses, stirring until cheese is melted. Drain macaroni., Transfer macaroni to a greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over macaroni; mix well. Melt the remaining butter; add the bread crumbs. Sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 30 minutes or until heated through and topping is golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 309 calories, Fat 20g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 60mg cholesterol, Sodium 569mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 11g protein.

BETTER THAN MOM'S MAC 'N CHEESE



Better Than Mom's Mac 'N Cheese image

Homemade macaroni and cheese is comfort food all the way and this recipe is ooey, gooey goodness. We loved ALL the types of cheese in this divine mac and cheese. Munster cheese and the extra sharp cheddar really stood out for us in the recipe. The cheesy crouton crumb topping is the perfect final touch. The next time you have an...

Provided by Tere Gill

Categories     Pasta Sides

Time 1h45m

Number Of Ingredients 19

4 qt water, boiling
1 tsp salt
8 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 Tbsp butter, room temperature
4 oz cream cheese (1/2 brick), room temperature
1/8 c blue cheese crumbles
1/4 c Asiago cheese, shredded
1/3 c Munster cheese, shredded
1/2 c mild cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 c extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2/3 c Monterey jack cheese, shredded
1 c half & half creamer (or combination of heavy cream & whole milk)
1 large egg
1/2 tsp seasoned salt
1/16 tsp ground black pepper
TOPPING
1 Tbsp butter, melted
1 c herb seasoned croutons, crushed
1/8 c grated Parmesan, Romano & Asiago cheese blend (shaker container type)

Steps:

  • 1. (NOTE:) Recipe may be doubled for 9"x13" or 4 qt. casserole.
  • 2. Lightly grease a 2 or 2 1/2 quart casserole dish; set aside.
  • 3. (This step is the most time consuming, so you may want to shred the cheeses ahead of time. Please don't use the pre-shredded cheeses as it will negatively affect your results.) Gather and prep all ingredients except macaroni (shred cheeses, crush croutons etc...).
  • 4. Add water and 1 teaspoon salt to large pot (5 qt. or larger;) over high heat, bring water to boil.
  • 5. Add macaroni; stir. When water returns to boil, reduce heat to medium-high; set timer and cook for 8 minutes.
  • 6. Drain macaroni, but do NOT rinse.
  • 7. Return macaroni to the hot pot.
  • 8. Immediately add butter and cream cheese; stir gently until melted.
  • 9. Preheat oven to 350ºF. In a plastic food bag or bowl combine cheeses.
  • 10. Add combined cheeses to macaroni. Stir to mix well.
  • 11. Into the half & half, add egg, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Whisk or beat well with a fork until very well combined.
  • 12. Pour over macaroni and cheese mixture in pan; stir to mix well.
  • 13. Pour macaroni mixture evenly into prepared dish. (If you have a little shredded cheese leftover, you may sprinkle on top of macaroni mixture, up to 1/2 cup.)
  • 14. Make the topping by combining crushed croutons with melted butter.
  • 15. Stir to coat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
  • 16. Sprinkle evenly over macaroni.
  • 17. Bake at 350ºF for approximately 50 to 60 minutes (place a sheet of aluminum foil over it, towards the end of cooking time, if it is beginning to become too browned).
  • 18. Serve immediately. Cover and refrigerate leftovers. If reheating, add a tablespoon of milk or half & half to the bottom of the dish.

NOT YO' MAMA'S MAC 'N' CHEESE



Not Yo' Mama's Mac 'n' Cheese image

This stuff is rich! Uses three kinds of cheese: sharp white Cheddar, smoked Gouda, and Parmesan. This is a specialty of John's City Diner in Birmingham, Alabama.

Provided by mailbelle

Categories     Penne

Time 45m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1 (4 ounce) package thinly sliced prosciutto
1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
1/2 cup butter
1 shallot, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups whipping cream
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
2 (10 ounce) blocks sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
4 ounces shredded smoked gouda cheese
2 ounces shredded parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°. Bake breadcrumbs in a single layer on a baking sheet 5 to 7 minutes or until golden, stirring once after 2 1/2 minutes.
  • Cook prosciutto, in batches, in a lightly greased large skillet over medium heat 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until crisp. Drain on paper towels; crumble.
  • Prepare pasta according to package directions.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat; add shallot, and sauté 3 minutes or until tender. Add wine, stirring to loosen particles from bottom of Dutch oven, and cook 1 minute.
  • Gradually whisk in flour until smooth; cook, whisking constantly, 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and next 4 ingredients; cook, whisking constantly, 12 to 14 minutes or until mixture thickens and begins to bubble. Remove and discard bay leaf.
  • Place 4 cups (16 oz.) Cheddar cheese in a large heatproof bowl. Reserve remaining Cheddar cheese for another use. Add Gouda and Parmesan cheeses to bowl.
  • Gradually pour white sauce over cheeses, whisking until cheeses are melted and sauce is smooth.
  • Stir in pasta and prosciutto until blended. Pour into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish; sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
  • Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until bubbly. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 991.8, Fat 67.1, SaturatedFat 41.4, Cholesterol 217.4, Sodium 1045.5, Carbohydrate 64.5, Fiber 7, Sugar 1.7, Protein 33.8

NOT YOUR MAMA'S MAC-N-CHEESE



Not Your Mama's Mac-N-Cheese image

No, it's not my mama's but my sisters! This is a unique recipe that requires no roux so the sauce is creamy not grainy as some can be. I make "Grown Up Mac-n-Cheese by replacing some of the cheese with gorgonzola (4oz to be exact) and giving it a crumb topping instead. This is easy enough for you to do as you like. I do recommend using several different types of cheese for complexity.

Provided by MacChef

Categories     Penne

Time 1h

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (16 ounce) box penne rigate or 1 (16 ounce) box elbow macaroni
4 cups milk
4 (16 ounce) bags of preshredded cheese, we use 2 sharp cheddar, one italian blend and colby jack (reserve 1 cup for the top of casserole)
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • In a large pot bring water to boil and salt to boil. Add pasta and cook for half the time recommended on the box. Usually 5-6 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, pour your milk into a large microwave safe bowl and heat until milk is hot, about 3-4 minutes.
  • While the milk is heating, dump all of your cheese into a large bowl, removing one cup or so for the top, and add your cornstarch. Mix until all of the cheese is lightly coated in the starch. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
  • When milk is hot, start adding your cheese a handful at a time until each addition is melted. The milk will likely have to go back into the microwave to heat back up as the cheese will cool it down.
  • When pasta is ready, drain and put into a 13x9 inch casserole dish sprayed with non stick spray. Pour sauce over the top and push around so that the sauce begins to move inside the pasta tubes.
  • Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake at 350 for about 30 minutes.

NOT YOUR MOM'S MAC AND CHEESE



Not your Mom's Mac and Cheese image

This is a family favorite and often requested by my kids... I sometimes add little hot dogs to the mix just to make it somewhat of a complete meal. Just add a salad and you've got it made!

Provided by Beth Piper

Categories     Pasta

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 c cheddar cheese, shredded
1 Tbsp butter or margarine
2 Tbsp flour
1 pinch salt
1 pinch pepper
3-4 c milk
5-8 slice american cheese
2 c durkee fried onions
1 box shell macaroni
1 can(s) cream of mushroom soup

Steps:

  • 1. cook pasta according to directions and set aside.
  • 2. in large saucepan, melt butter, put in flour to create a paste, add salt, pepper and slowly add milk, mixing while it heats up. When milk starts to thicken, start adding cheese until melted. (you can add as much cheese as you'd like... recipe is just a suggestion)
  • 3. place pasta in large greased,casserole pan. Add soup to cheese mix and then add to the pasta. Place fried onions on top and bake at 350 until golden brown about 30 mins.

NOT YOUR MOM'S MAC AND CHEESE



Not Your Mom's Mac and Cheese image

Four cheeses make up this delicious macaroni and cheese that will not easily be forgotten. I use high quality cheese and I think it makes all the difference.

Provided by Michele

Categories     Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Time 55m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 (16 ounce) package gemelli (small twisted pasta)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
salt and ground black pepper to taste
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 cup shredded fontina cheese
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded white Cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
⅛ teaspoon paprika
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
1 pinch ground cinnamon
1 pinch chili powder
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the gemelli, and return to a boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink. Add olive oil, and toss pasta until coated; set aside.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and stir in the ground beef. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook and stir until the beef is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Drain and discard any excess grease. Set aside.
  • Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Heat 3 tablespoons butter and the flour in a large skillet over low heat. Cook and stir until the butter is melted and the flour is incorporated, then slowly whisk in the milk. Stir in the fontina cheese, sharp Cheddar cheese, white Cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese; cook, whisking constantly, until cheese is melted and sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with paprika, nutmeg, garlic powder, cinnamon, and chili powder. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Stir in the pasta and beef, and transfer mixture to a large baking dish.
  • Combine 2 tablespoons butter, bread crumbs, and the remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Sprinkle mixture over the pasta in the baking dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly, about 12 minutes, then set the oven on broil. Broil until lightly browned, about 3 more minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 660.3 calories, Carbohydrate 53.9 g, Cholesterol 114.6 mg, Fat 34 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 35 g, SaturatedFat 18.3 g, Sodium 600.5 mg, Sugar 7.1 g

MY MOTHER'S MAC AND CHEESE



My Mother's Mac and Cheese image

I remember my mother sending me to the store for 15 cents worth of cheese. The butcher would cut off a slice from a gigantic wheel covered with a wax-coated cloth. Mother would then blend that cheese into this tasty dish. Today, the memory of her cooking is like food for my soul. -Phyllis Burkland, Portland, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 teaspoon onion salt, optional
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 tablespoons butter

Steps:

  • In a bowl, combine macaroni, tomatoes, onion salt, pepper and 1-1/2 cups cheddar cheese. Pour into a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Dot with butter. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 45 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese; bake 15 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 373 calories, Fat 22g fat (16g saturated fat), Cholesterol 75mg cholesterol, Sodium 759mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 16g protein.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of cheeses: This will give your mac and cheese a richer, more complex flavor. A good combination is a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: This means that it should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will make your mac and cheese mushy.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken sauces. It will help to give your mac and cheese a creamy, smooth texture.
  • Use milk or cream: Milk or cream will help to thin out the roux and make it smooth. You can use whole milk, skim milk, or even heavy cream, depending on how rich you want your mac and cheese to be.
  • Season the mac and cheese well: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are all good choices. You can also add other spices, such as cayenne pepper or paprika, to taste.
  • Top the mac and cheese with breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese: This will give it a nice, crispy topping.
  • Bake the mac and cheese until it is bubbly and golden brown: This will ensure that it is cooked through and has a nice, creamy texture.

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 made with a variety of ingredients, so you can easily customize it to your own taste. Whether you like it simple or cheesy, baked or fried, there is a mac and cheese recipe out there for everyone. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give mac and cheese a try. You won't be disappointed.

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