Macaroni and cheese, a timeless classic that has won hearts across generations, is an epitome of comfort food. Originating in the 14th century, this dish has undergone various transformations, yet its essence remains the same: a delightful combination of tender macaroni enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce.
Our culinary journey takes us through a diverse range of mac and cheese recipes, each offering a unique twist on this beloved dish. From the classic stovetop method to the convenience of the oven-baked version, we've got you covered. Get ready to embark on a cheesy adventure as we explore variations like the Southern-inspired mac and cheese with its creamy blend of cheddar and Parmesan, the luscious baked mac and cheese topped with a golden-brown crust, and the ultimate gourmet mac and cheese featuring a luxurious combination of cheeses and premium ingredients.
Whether you're a traditionalist seeking the nostalgic flavors of your childhood or an adventurous foodie looking to expand your culinary horizons, our collection of mac and cheese recipes has something for everyone. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's delve into the world of cheesy goodness!
OLD SCHOOL MAC N' CHEESE
This is a completely unpretentious, down-home macaroni and cheese recipe just like my grandma and mom always made. A simple white sauce where you add cheese and a few other flavors with macaroni and a potato chip crust. This recipe makes a lot, I like to make two pans so I can take one to a pot luck and have the other one to keep in the fridge for later. It's an easy recipe to adjust down if you only want to make one pan. If you aren't cooking it right away, just keep the topping separate until you are ready to put it in the oven.
Provided by Collette Duck
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 1h15m
Yield 20
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes; drain.
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Slowly add flour to butter, whisking constantly; cook until brown and the mixture no longer smells of flour, about 5 minutes. Pour 1 cup milk into the flour mixture, whisking continually until fully incorporated, about 45 seconds; repeat twice. Add remaining 3 cups milk to the mixture, whisking to incorporate. Stir Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper into the mixture; season with salt and black pepper.
- Reduce heat to low. Cook sauce, whisking frequently, until it begins to thicken, about 10 minutes. Add about half the package of shredded Cheddar cheese; stir continually until the cheese melts completely. Repeat with remaining half package of Cheddar cheese and the American cheese, about 4 ounces at a time. Once cheese is entirely incorporated, remove sauce from heat.
- Stir drained macaroni into the cheese sauce to coat. Divide macaroni between two 9x13-inch baking dishes.
- Mix crushed potato chips, 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Top the macaroni with the potato chip mixture evenly. Spray the potato chip mixture with cooking spray.
- Bake in preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling, 35 to 45 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 506.7 calories, Carbohydrate 40.2 g, Cholesterol 75.9 mg, Fat 30.1 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 21.5 g, SaturatedFat 17.3 g, Sodium 783.4 mg, Sugar 4.7 g
OLD FASHIONED MACARONI AND CHEESE
This has been one of my favorite side dishes. Make it a meal by adding leftover ham or some smoked sausage.
Provided by Douglas Poe
Categories Weeknight
Time 1h10m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Combine cooked macaroni, butter, cheese, salt and pepper.
- Place in a greased 1 1/2 quart baking dish.
- Combine eggs and milk; pour over macaroni.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes.
OLD FASHIONED MAC AND CHEESE
This is a classic recipe for macaroni and cheese. The kids will love this!
Provided by JAYDE175
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 1h5m
Yield 7
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Prepare the elbow macaroni according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium high heat. Stir in the flour until a cream colored paste forms. Then pour in the milk and stir constantly until this comes to a hard boil, then stir for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
- When the macaroni is cooked, spread 1/2 of it into the bottom of a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Then layer 1/2 of the grated onion, 1/2 of the salt and pepper and 1/2 of each of the cheeses. Repeat this one more time: macaroni, onion, salt and pepper and cheeses, and then pour the reserved white sauce over all. Top off with small pats of butter to taste.
- Cover and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 401 calories, Carbohydrate 29.1 g, Cholesterol 70 mg, Fat 23.3 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 18.5 g, SaturatedFat 14.6 g, Sodium 450.2 mg, Sugar 4.6 g
OLD-FASHIONED MACARONI AND CHEESE
Bring back the taste of days gone by with this ooey-gooey mac-and-cheese classic. A little ground mustard and hot pepper sauce give it just the right spice. -James Backman, Centralia, Washington
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner Side Dishes
Time 1h
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook macaroni in boiling water until almost tender; drain. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, melt butter. Stir in the flour, salt, mustard, pepper and pepper sauce until smooth. Cook for 1 minute or until bubbly. Stir in the macaroni, milk and 4 cups cheese. , Transfer to an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until bubbly. Uncover; sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts :
OLD SCHOOL MAC-N-CHEESE
My grandma used to make this when I was little and I LOVED it, no other could touch it, so I recreated it the way I think she made it and I think mine is better. This is a larger batch- because I am used to having to make extra for others.
Provided by barberbabe
Categories Cheese
Time 1h20m
Yield 10-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Boil pasta till half cooked(still firm).
- Drain and pou into lasagna glass casserole dish.
- whisk eggs and stir into pasta, also mix in butter.
- Add in all cheeses and pour in milk (Note: Milk must be at the top of pasta not over, so add more if needed) stir around good.
- Cook for 1 hour in 350 degree oven until it looks like it getting crispy on top.
Tips:
- Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will make a big difference in the flavor of your mac and cheese. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a classic flavor, or experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or Gouda for a more complex taste.
- Cook the macaroni al dente: You don't want the macaroni to be too soft or it will become mushy. Cook it al dente, or slightly firm to the bite, so that it holds its shape and texture in the mac and cheese.
- Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the cheese sauce. It helps to create a smooth and creamy sauce that coats the macaroni evenly.
- Use milk and cream: Milk and cream add richness and flavor to the cheese sauce. Use whole milk for a richer flavor, or a combination of milk and cream for a lighter sauce.
- Season the cheese sauce: Don't forget to season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little bit of heat.
- Top with bread crumbs or grated Parmesan cheese: Before baking the mac and cheese, top it with bread crumbs or grated Parmesan cheese for a golden brown crust.
Conclusion:
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a simple dish to make, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you make the best mac and cheese possible. By following the tips above, you can create a delicious and creamy mac and cheese that will be a hit with your family and friends.
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