Best 11 Ranch Mac Cheese Recipes

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Indulge in the creamy goodness of Ranch Mac and Cheese, a delightful dish that combines the classic comfort of macaroni and cheese with the tangy, savory flavors of ranch dressing. This recipe is a perfect blend of two beloved dishes, resulting in a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish that will satisfy your cravings. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with friends and family, Ranch Mac and Cheese is sure to be a hit. This recipe collection includes variations to suit different dietary preferences, including a classic version, a vegetarian option, and a healthier version made with whole wheat pasta and low-fat cheese. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food experience with Ranch Mac and Cheese!

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

CHICKEN RANCH MAC & CHEESE



Chicken Ranch Mac & Cheese image

Prep once and feed the family twice when you double this chicken mac and cheese and freeze half of it. I created it for the people I love most, using ingredients they love most. -Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup 2% milk
1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
3/4 cup ranch salad dressing
1 cup coarsely chopped cooked chicken
TOPPING:
1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
10 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a 6-qt. stockpot, cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente; drain and return to pot., Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Stir in cheeses until blended. Stir in dressing., Add chicken and sauce to macaroni, tossing to combine. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., Toss bread crumbs with melted butter; sprinkle over macaroni. Top with bacon. Bake, uncovered, 30-35 minutes or until topping is golden brown. Sprinkle with parsley. Freeze option: Prepare recipe as directed, increasing milk to 1-1/3 cups. Cool unbaked casserole; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Cover casserole with foil; bake 30 minutes. Uncover; continue baking as directed or until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 586 calories, Fat 37g fat (15g saturated fat), Cholesterol 84mg cholesterol, Sodium 889mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 25g protein.

RANCH MAC & CHEESE



Ranch Mac & Cheese image

I came up with the recipe for this creamy and satisfying macaroni and cheese, which has a special twist. My husband requests it often - it's hearty enough to serve as a main dish. -Michelle Rotunno, Independence, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
1 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon garlic pepper blend
1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded Colby cheese
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup crushed saltines
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, combine the milk, butter, dressing mix and seasonings; heat through. Stir in Monterey Jack and Colby cheeses until melted. Stir in sour cream., Drain macaroni; stir into cheese sauce with the saltines. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 488 calories, Fat 23g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 66mg cholesterol, Sodium 1357mg sodium, Carbohydrate 52g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 18g protein.

RANCH MAC 'N CHEESE



Ranch Mac 'n Cheese image

This mac 'n cheese gets a lift from the ordinary with Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing and grated Asiago cheese.

Provided by Hidden Valley Ranch

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Hidden Valley®

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 cups gemelli pasta, uncooked
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk
1 cup Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Salad Dressing
2 eggs, slightly beaten
3 cups grated Asiago cheese
½ cup unseasoned bread crumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse and drain.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk evaporated milk, dressing and eggs together until smooth. Fold in the cheese. Add the cooked pasta and mix well. Spoon pasta mixture into an oiled 1 1/2-quart casserole. In a bowl, combine bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle on top of pasta. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is nicely browned and heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 701.2 calories, Carbohydrate 51.7 g, Cholesterol 140.5 mg, Fat 43.1 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 27.1 g, SaturatedFat 17.4 g, Sodium 1119.7 mg, Sugar 6.2 g

ONE-POT RANCH MAC AND CHEESE



One-Pot Ranch Mac and Cheese image

Forget about boiling up a big pot of salted water. In this ultra-creamy recipe, the pasta cooks directly in the milk, creating a rich thick base for the sauce. Three kinds of cheese, plus fresh chives and dill give it the familiar fresh tang of our favorite ranch dressing.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 20m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 cups whole milk
12 ounces elbow macaroni (about 3 cups)
8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 3 cups; see Cook's Note)
3 ounces part-skim mozzarella, shredded (about 1 cup; see Cook's Note)
2 ounces cream cheese, cut into small pieces
3/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Large pinch cayenne pepper
Kosher salt
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Steps:

  • Put the milk and macaroni in a large saucepan. Bring the milk to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to keep the macaroni from clumping. Continue to boil, stirring frequently, until the macaroni is tender and the milk has thickened to the consistency of heavy cream, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the Monterey Jack cheese, mozzarella, cream cheese, sour cream, butter, cayenne and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and stir until smooth, thick and creamy. Fold in the dill and chives. Serve hot. (The dish will thicken as it cools; thin it out with a little hot water if desired.)

CREAMY RANCH MAC AND CHEESE



Creamy Ranch Mac and Cheese image

I came up with the recipe for this creamy and comforting macaroni and cheese with a ranch-flavored twist. My husband requests it often. -Michelle Rotunno, Independence, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
1 cup 2% milk
2 tablespoons butter
4-1/2 teaspoons ranch salad dressing mix
1 teaspoon garlic pepper blend
1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded Colby cheese
1 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1/2 cup crushed Saltines
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, combine the milk, butter, dressing mix and seasonings; heat through. Stir in Monterey Jack and Colby cheeses until melted. Stir in sour cream., Drain macaroni; stir into cheese sauce with the Saltines. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 433 calories, Fat 17g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 49mg cholesterol, Sodium 766mg sodium, Carbohydrate 51g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 19g protein.

RANCH MAC 'N CHEESE - CREAMY



Ranch Mac 'n Cheese - Creamy image

Hidden Valley® Ranch Seasoning adds a new dimension of flavor to this simple mac 'n cheese that's perfect for the whole family.

Provided by Hidden Valley Ranch

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Hidden Valley®

Time 20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 pound gemelli pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons flour
3 cups whole milk
2 teaspoons Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix
2 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to foam. Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook, whisking, for about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the milk and Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Seasoning Mix and cook, stirring, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Fold in the cheese and stir until melted. Add the cooked pasta and mix well. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 583.3 calories, Carbohydrate 65.1 g, Cholesterol 72.1 mg, Fat 25.9 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 24 g, SaturatedFat 15.5 g, Sodium 296.2 mg, Sugar 8.3 g

CRISPY RANCH MAC AND CHEESE BALLS IN THE AIR FRYER



Crispy Ranch Mac and Cheese Balls in the Air Fryer image

Perfectly crispy on the outside, gooey mac and cheese on the inside, and made in the air fryer. The best part is no dipping sauce is needed because the ranch is built right in the balls!

Provided by Soup Loving Nicole

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Pasta Appetizer Recipes

Time 3h55m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (7.25 ounce) package macaroni and cheese dinner mix
¾ cup milk, divided
¼ cup margarine, cut into pieces
½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
2 cups cheese-flavored crackers (such as Cheez-It®)
1 (1 ounce) envelope ranch dressing mix
2 eggs, beaten
nonstick cooking spray

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain macaroni without rinsing and return to the pot. Add 1/4 cup milk, margarine, and cheese sauce packet; mix until well combined.
  • Add Cheddar cheese and remaining 1/2 cup milk to the mac and cheese and stir until Cheddar is melted. Transfer to a bowl with a lid and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use an ice cream scoop to form 1 1/2-inch balls out of the cold mac and cheese. Set balls on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
  • Pulse cheese crackers in the bowl of a food processor and until they turn into fine crumbs. Transfer crumbs to a bowl and stir in ranch dressing mix. Place beaten eggs in a separate bowl.
  • Preheat air fryer to 360 degrees F (180 degrees C). Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray.
  • Dip mac and cheese balls first in egg and then in the cracker mixture to coat. Place in the air fryer basket, adding as many balls as your basket allows without touching, working in batches, if needed. Spray tops of the balls with cooking spray.
  • Cook in the preheated air fryer for 10 minutes. Spray the tops of the balls again with cooking spray and cook 3 minutes more. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining balls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 147.4 calories, Carbohydrate 14.7 g, Cholesterol 31.5 mg, Fat 7.5 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 374.7 mg, Sugar 1.9 g

KING RANCH CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE - (4.7/5)



King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - (4.7/5) image

Provided by june

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 oz dried pasta
2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, diced
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 (8 oz) pkg Velveeta cheese, cubed
3 cups cooked chicken
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare pasta according to package directions. Melt butter in a large dutch oven over medium high heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 minutes, or until tender. Stir in tomatoes and green chilies and Velveeta; cook, stirring constantly 2 minutes, or until cheese melts. Stir in chicken, next 4 ingredients, and hot cooked pasta until blended. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly.

KING RANCH CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE



King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese image

Make and share this King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Pinay0618

Categories     Chicken

Time 45m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

8 ounces uncooked macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 (8 ounce) package Velveeta cheese, cubed
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper, and saute 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in tomatoes and green chiles and prepared cheese product; cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes or until cheese melts. Stir in chicken, next 4 ingredients, and hot cooked pasta until blended. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 10-inch cast-iron skillet or 11- x 7-inch baking dish; sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese.
  • Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly.

RANCH MAC AND CHEESE BALLS



Ranch Mac and Cheese Balls image

Super cheesy mac 'n' cheese gets a boost from ranch seasoning, and then gets even better: It's deep-fried into crunchy and creamy golden-brown bites.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     appetizer

Time 2h25m

Yield 16 balls

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups whole milk
6 ounces elbow macaroni (about 1 1/2 cups)
4 ounces Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups; see Cook's Note)
2 ounces part-skim mozzarella, shredded (about 2/3 cup; see Cook's Note)
1 ounce cream cheese, cut into small pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Two 1-ounce packets dry ranch seasoning (1/3 cup)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup buttermilk

Steps:

  • Put the milk and macaroni in a small saucepan and bring the milk to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to keep the macaroni from clumping. Simmer until the macaroni is tender and the milk has thickened to the consistency of heavy cream, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the Monterrey Jack, mozzarella, cream cheese, butter, 1 packet of the ranch seasoning (8 teaspoons) and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and stir until smooth, thick and creamy. Transfer the mixture to a shallow bowl and cool to room temperature to stiffen up.
  • Meanwhile, put the flour, eggs and breadcrumbs into 3 separate shallow dishes and season each with salt and pepper.
  • Using a 1-ounce ice cream scoop or 2 tablespoons, scoop out balls of the cooled macaroni mixture and put them on a baking sheet. Roll each ball in your hand until smooth, then dredge in the flour, dip in the eggs to coat and roll in the breadcrumbs until completely covered. Put the balls back on the baking sheet and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.
  • Pour enough oil into a large heavy pot to come 2 inches up the side and attach a deep-frying thermometer to the pot. Heat the oil over medium heat to 360 degrees F.
  • Working in batches, fry the balls until golden brown on the outside and heated through inside, about 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, lift the balls from the oil and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Stir together the mayonnaise, buttermilk and remaining packet ranch seasoning in a small bowl until smooth. Transfer the mac 'n' cheese balls to a serving platter, drizzle with some of the dressing and serve with the remaining dressing on the side for dipping.

KING RANCH CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE



King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese image

Another King Ranch recipe, this one is a mac and cheese style. From Southern Living magazine.

Provided by Lynette !

Categories     Chicken

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 12

8 oz cellentani pasta
2 Tbsp butter
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chiles (rotel)
8 oz package pasteurized prepared cheese product, cubed (velveeta)
3 c cooked chicken, chopped
1 can(s) cream of chicken soup, 10 3/4 ounce can
1/2 c sour cream
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 1/2 c cheddar cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
  • 2. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper, and saute 5 minutes or until tender.
  • 3. Stir in tomatoes and green chiles, and prepared cheese product; cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes or until the cheese melts. Stir in the chicken, next 4 ingredients, and hot cooked pasta until blended.
  • 4. Spoon the mixture into a lightly greased 10 inch cast-iron skillet or 11 x 7 inch baking dish; sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese.
  • 5. ABake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Tips:

  • To make a creamy cheese sauce, use equal parts butter and flour, then slowly whisk in milk until the sauce is smooth and thick.
  • For a more flavorful cheese sauce, use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyère.
  • To make the macaroni and cheese extra cheesy, top it with a layer of shredded cheese before baking.
  • If you like a crispy topping, sprinkle some bread crumbs or crushed potato chips on top of the macaroni and cheese before baking.
  • Serve the macaroni and cheese immediately, while it is still hot and bubbly.

Conclusion:

This recipe for Ranch Mac and Cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck. The creamy cheese sauce, made with a combination of cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyère cheeses, is flavored with ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. The macaroni and cheese is then topped with a layer of shredded cheddar cheese and baked until golden brown. This dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!

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