Best 3 Quick Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

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**Macaroni and cheese**, a comforting and versatile dish, has captured hearts and taste buds for generations. This classic pasta dish is made with a medley of macaroni noodles coated in a luscious cheese sauce. The combination of tender pasta, creamy cheese sauce, and a sprinkling of breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight any palate.

This article presents a collection of macaroni and cheese recipes that cater to various preferences and skill levels. From the classic stovetop method to the convenience of a slow cooker or the richness of a baked version, these recipes offer something for everyone. Whether you're craving a quick and easy weeknight meal, a hearty dish for a family gathering, or an indulgent treat, you'll find the perfect recipe here.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

QUICK MACARONI AND CHEESE



Quick Macaroni and Cheese image

This is the quickest good-tasting macaroni and cheese I know outside of my own from scratch recipe. Kids love it!

Provided by SABRINATEE

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

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup elbow macaroni
¼ cup milk
1 (20 ounce) package frozen macaroni and cheese
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven broiler. Grease a 1 1/2 quart microwave safe dish.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • Microwave frozen mac and cheese according to package directions.
  • Stir together macaroni, mac and cheese, milk and pepper in prepared dish. Mix well. Microwave on high 2 minutes, until heated through. Sprinkle with Cheddar and Parmesan and place under oven broiler. Broil until cheese is melted and beginning to brown, 2 to 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 466.1 calories, Carbohydrate 37.5 g, Cholesterol 63.8 mg, Fat 24.9 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 22.7 g, SaturatedFat 13.8 g, Sodium 811.4 mg, Sugar 3.8 g

QUICK SKILLET MACARONI AND CHEESE



Quick Skillet Macaroni and Cheese image

In the time it takes to make the boxed stuff, you can make this far superior version, cooked on the stove top and finished under the broiler. From "Noodles Express" Cookbook.

Provided by Raspberry Cordial

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 13m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 tablespoon flour
3/4 cup heavy cream (or up to 1 cup cream- use light cream if desired)
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated, divided (choose an aged cheese)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook macaroni 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  • While the macaroni cooks, melt butter over medium heat in an oven safe skillet or saucepan.
  • Add onion and cook, stirring often until soft and golden.
  • Add flour and cook, stirring for 2 minutes until flour is combined and mixture is light brown.
  • Whisking constantly, add cream slowly until well mixed. Stir in pepper, salt, nutmeg and garlic. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring.
  • Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the cheese, a little at a time, until melted.
  • Stir in the macaroni to coat with sauce. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and parsley on top.
  • Place skillet under broiler for 2 or 3 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.

QUICK MACARONI AND CHEESE RECIPE



QUICK MACARONI AND CHEESE RECIPE image

Categories     Cheese

Yield 3 to 4 1

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 quarts water
1 Tbsp salt
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 lb cheddar cheese, grated (about 2 cups, packed)
1 teaspoon corn starch
2 teaspoons flour
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 cup ham, chopped into 1/4 inch cubes
Freshly grated black pepper
METHOD

Steps:

  • 1 In a medium sized bowl, mix corn starch into the grated cheese, so that the cheese is coated, set aside. This will help the cheese from getting too stringy. 2 Bring 2 quarts of water with the tablespoon of salt to a boil in thick-bottomed saucepan. Add the elbow macaroni and follow the cooking time instructions on the package, minus about 2 minutes. (If your macaroni doesn't come with instructions, start checking at 7 minutes). Cook until al dente - cooked through, but still slightly firm. Drain the water from the cooking pan. 3 While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the sauce. Melt the butter in a large saucepan on medium heat. Whisk in the flour. Slowly dribble in the milk, while whisking (to avoid clumping) until the sauce is smooth. Slowly add the grated cheese, while whisking, until smooth. Stir in the lemon juice. Add the cooked, drained macaroni and ham. Do not over-mix. Sprinkle in some freshly grated black pepper. Serve immediately. Serves 3-4 adults or 4-6 kids.

Tips:

  • To make a creamy and smooth cheese sauce, use a roux. A roux is a mixture of equal parts butter and flour that is cooked together until it is golden brown. This will help to thicken the sauce and prevent it from curdling.
  • Use a good quality cheese. The type of cheese you use will have a big impact on the flavor of your macaroni and cheese. Use a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or fontina.
  • Don't overcook the macaroni. Macaroni should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked macaroni will be mushy and unpleasant.
  • Add some extras. Feel free to add other ingredients to your macaroni and cheese, such as cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, or chopped broccoli. This will give your dish more flavor and texture.
  • Serve it hot. Macaroni and cheese is best served hot and gooey. You can also top it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It is a simple dish to make, and it can be easily customized to your liking. With a few simple tips, you can make a macaroni and cheese that is creamy, cheesy, and delicious.

So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give macaroni and cheese a try. You won't be disappointed!

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