Best 5 Our Favorite Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Indulge your taste buds with our exquisite macaroni and cheese recipes, a timeless classic reinvented with a symphony of flavors. Embark on a culinary journey where creamy cheese sauces, perfectly cooked pasta, and tantalizing toppings unite to create dishes that will delight your palate. From the traditional baked macaroni and cheese, a golden-crusted comfort food, to the innovative skillet macaroni and cheese, a quick and easy one-pan wonder, our collection caters to every craving. Discover the rich and flavorful Southern macaroni and cheese, a cheesy extravaganza with a hint of spice, or the elegant lobster macaroni and cheese, a luxurious seafood indulgence. For a lighter twist, try our healthy macaroni and cheese, a guilt-free indulgence that doesn't compromise on taste. With step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and captivating images, these recipes will guide you in creating macaroni and cheese masterpieces that will impress your family and friends.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

FAMILY-FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Family-Favorite Macaroni and Cheese image

Creamy and cheesy, this homemade mac and cheese recipe is just the ticket for traditional comfort food, but with lots of mix-in possibilities that help you put a flavor-forward twist on a classic recipe. Check out the Expert Tips section below for suggestions on adding bacon, caramelized onions, fire-roasted diced tomatoes and even lobster.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 50m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (7 ounces)
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded or cubed Cheddar cheese (8 ounces)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package.
  • While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in 3-quart saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constanly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.
  • Gently stir macaroni into cheese sauce.
  • Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 400, Carbohydrate 34 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 1 g, Protein 17 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 560 mg

OUR FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Our Favorite Macaroni and Cheese image

Make and share this Our Favorite Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by AmyZoe

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 1h

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus moer for baking dish
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups panko breadcrumbs (Japanese breadcrumbs)
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 ounces finely grated parmesan cheese, about 1/2 cup
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more
1 lb dried elbow macaroni
1/2 unsalted butter
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons mustard powder
16 ounces coarsely grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
2 ounces grated parmesan cheese, about 1/2 cup

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 with rack in the middle of oven.
  • Butter the baking dish.
  • Make the topping: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat butter and oil until butter foam subsides. Add panko and garlic and cook stirring, until crumbs are golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer crumbs to a medium bowl, stir in Parmesan and salt and set aside.
  • Prepare the macaroni and sauce: Set a large, covered pot of salted water over high heat to boil. Add macaroni and cook until just al dente (avoid overcooking). Drain macaroni and set aside.
  • In a large wide pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle flour over butter, whisking to incorporate and make a roux.
  • Cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until roux is light golden, about 4 minutes. Gradually pour in milk and cream, whisking constantly to incorporate and make a bechamel sauce.
  • Raise heat to medium-high and bring sauce to a low boil, whisking constantly. Reduce to a simmer, whisking occasionally, and cook until bechamel sauce is thick and coats the back of a spoon, about 3 minutes more.
  • Add 2 tsp salt, pepper, and mustard powder. Add the cheeses in three batches, whisking until each addition is completely melted before adding more. Remove from heat.
  • Add the drained macaroni to the pot with the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Transfer macaroni mixture to the buttered baking dish and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle topping evenly over macaroni and bake until golden and bubbling, 18 to 22 minutes.
  • Let cool 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 562.1, Fat 29.4, SaturatedFat 16.4, Cholesterol 81.7, Sodium 1039.6, Carbohydrate 49.9, Fiber 2.3, Sugar 6.6, Protein 24

CHUCK'S FAVORITE MAC AND CHEESE



Chuck's Favorite Mac and Cheese image

Easily doubled for a potluck, cottage cheese and sour cream are the unique elements to this macaroni and cheese recipe.

Provided by MRSO

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

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni
1 (8 ounce) package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (12 ounce) container small curd cottage cheese
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup dry bread crumbs
¼ cup butter, melted

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil, add pasta, and cook until done; drain.
  • In 9x13 inch baking dish, stir together macaroni, shredded Cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix together bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle topping over macaroni mixture.
  • Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until top is golden.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 590.8 calories, Carbohydrate 45.5 g, Cholesterol 87.7 mg, Fat 33.3 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 26.8 g, SaturatedFat 20.3 g, Sodium 720.2 mg, Sugar 2.1 g

MOM'S FAVORITE BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



Mom's Favorite Baked Mac and Cheese image

This is a macaroni and cheese I first made 3 years ago when I was in California. When I got back to Texas I made it for my mom. This is now her favorite baked macaroni and cheese. She begs me to make it when I come to visit.

Provided by GEPETTO_69

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

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (8 ounce) package processed American cheese, cut into strips

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion for 2 minutes. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in milk, salt, mustard and pepper; cook, stirring frequently, until mixture boils and thickens.
  • Meanwhile, bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • To the milk mixture add the Cheddar and American cheeses; stir until cheese melts. Combine macaroni and cheese sauce in a 2 quart baking dish; mix well.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 561 calories, Carbohydrate 36.5 g, Cholesterol 100.1 mg, Fat 33.3 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 28.3 g, SaturatedFat 20.7 g, Sodium 1194 mg, Sugar 5.2 g

BARBECUE PULLED PORK MAC AND CHEESE



Barbecue Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese image

Tangy barbecue sauce, cheesy mac, and a sprinkling of buttery, toasted Progresso™ bread crumbs team up to make this meal a total hit. Our bbq pulled pork mac and cheese is a super hearty meal that is easy to make whenever the inspiration hits you. The big, bold BBQ flavors add a delicious twist on the classic favorite, now reimagined as pulled pork mac and cheese. It all starts with the pulled pork and a homemade cheese sauce that comes together with just a little bit of whisking. From there, it's only a matter of combining the ingredients and baking them into the best bbq pulled pork mac and cheese.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h15m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 cups cold cooked shredded pork shoulder (from Make-Ahead Oven-Roasted Pulled Pork, thawed)
1 cup barbecue sauce
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (about 9 oz)
4 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 cups milk
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (16 oz)
1 1/2 cups Progresso™ plain panko crispy bread crumbs
4 tablespoons butter, melted

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix pulled pork and barbecue sauce. Spoon evenly in baking dish.
  • In 4-quart saucepan, cook and drain macaroni as directed on package, using minimum cook time.
  • In same saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Beat in flour, salt, garlic powder and pepper with whisk until thickened. Cook 1 minute longer. Beat in milk. Heat to boiling over high heat, stirring frequently; boil and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in 3 cups of the cheese until melted. Stir in macaroni; pour into baking dish over pork layer. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheese on top.
  • In small bowl, mix bread crumbs and melted butter; stir until combined. Sprinkle over macaroni mixture.
  • Bake 36 to 38 minutes or until mixture is bubbly (at least 165°F in center) and bread crumbs are browned.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 550, Carbohydrate 45 g, Cholesterol 90 mg, Fat 3, Fiber 1 g, Protein 25 g, SaturatedFat 15 g, ServingSize About 1 Cup, Sodium 930 mg, Sugar 12 g, TransFat 1/2 g

Tips:

  • Use a variety of cheeses. This will give your macaroni and cheese a more complex and flavorful taste. Some good options include cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gruyère.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta is the best choice for macaroni and cheese, as it will hold its shape and not become mushy.
  • Make a roux. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that helps to thicken the cheese sauce. This will make your macaroni and cheese creamy and smooth.
  • Use milk and cream. Milk and cream add richness and flavor to the cheese sauce. You can use whole milk, 2%, or 1%, or a combination of milk and cream.
  • Season the cheese sauce. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are all good options for seasoning the cheese sauce. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as cayenne pepper, paprika, or nutmeg.
  • Bake the macaroni and cheese. Baking the macaroni and cheese will help to brown the top and give it a crispy crust. You can also broil the macaroni and cheese for a few minutes at the end of baking to get a golden brown crust.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of different cheeses, sauces, and toppings. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, macaroni and cheese is sure to please everyone at the table.

Related Topics