Best 8 The Best Mac Cheese Ever Really Recipes

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Welcome to the realm of comfort food royalty, where cheese and pasta harmoniously unite to create the ultimate dish of cheesy delight – macaroni and cheese. This culinary masterpiece has captured hearts and taste buds for generations, transcending time and borders. As you embark on a culinary journey to discover the best mac and cheese recipe ever, let us guide you through a world of creamy, gooey, and downright irresistible cheesy goodness.

Our carefully curated collection of recipes caters to every palate and dietary preference. From the classic stovetop mac and cheese, a timeless delight that exudes nostalgia and comfort, to the modern and inventive baked mac and cheese, a crispy, golden-brown crust that conceals a velvety interior, our recipes are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.

For those seeking a healthier twist, our lightened-up mac and cheese swaps traditional ingredients for healthier alternatives, resulting in a guilt-free indulgence. And for those with dietary restrictions, our gluten-free and vegan mac and cheese recipes offer equally delectable options, ensuring that everyone can savor the joys of this iconic dish.

So, prepare to embark on a culinary adventure where cheese reigns supreme. Whether you prefer a classic comfort dish or a contemporary culinary creation, our comprehensive guide to the best mac and cheese recipes ever will lead you to cheesy bliss. Let the symphony of flavors dance on your palate as you indulge in this timeless dish, reimagined and perfected for your enjoyment.

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

BEST-EVER MACARONI AND CHEESE



Best-Ever Macaroni and Cheese image

In the South, mac 'n cheese is like everyone's favorite aunt-and this best-ever recipe beats out the rest.

Provided by Southern Living Test Kitchen

Categories     Casserole

Time 1h10m

Yield Serves 10

Number Of Ingredients 14

16 ounces uncooked large elbow macaroni, large shells, or cavatappi pasta
6 tablespoons salted butter
⅓ cup grated yellow onion
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 ½ cups milk
1 ¾ cups heavy cream
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
4 ounces extra-sharp yellow Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup), plus 4 oz. diced (about 1 cup), divided
4 ounces sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded, (about 1 cup), plus 4 oz. diced (about 1 cup), divided

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare pasta according to package directions for al dente.
  • Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium. Add next 6 ingredients; cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Add flour, and cook, stirring, until golden, 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Bring to a boil, whisking occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, whisking, until slightly thickened, 5 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce. Remove from heat; stir in 3/4 cup each of shredded Cheddar cheeses until melted. (Reserve remaining 1/4 cup each of shredded cheeses.) Stir in pasta and diced cheeses; pour into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch (3-quart) baking dish.
  • Bake on a rimmed baking sheet in preheated oven until bubbly and golden, 30 minutes. Remove from oven; increase oven temperature to broil. Sprinkle with reserved shredded cheeses; broil 6 inches from heat until cheeses are melted and golden, about 2 minutes. Remove from oven; cool slightly on a wire rack, about 15 minutes.

BEST EVER MAC & CHEESE



Best Ever Mac & Cheese image

To make this amazing mac, I make a sauce loaded with three different cheeses to toss with the noodles. When baked, it's gooey goodness with a crunchy topping that...don't get me started! -Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 package (16 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni
4 slices hearty white bread (4 ounces), torn into large pieces
6 tablespoons butter, cubed and divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1 teaspoon pepper, divided
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
2 cups half-and-half cream
1 cup (4 ounces) cubed process cheese (Velveeta)
1 block (8 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 block (8 ounces) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°. In a stockpot or Dutch oven, cook pasta according to package directions for al dente; drain and return to pan. Pulse bread, 2 tablespoons butter, Parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a food processor until coarsely ground., Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, melt remaining butter. Add onions and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add ground mustard and cayenne; stir until blended. Stir in flour until smooth, about 3 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk and cream; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in Velveeta. Slowly add remaining cheeses a handful at a time, stirring until cheese is melted. Add Worcestershire and remaining salt and pepper. Pour over pasta; toss to coat., Transfer to a greased 13x9-in baking dish. Sprinkle bread crumbs over top of casserole. Bake until topping is golden brown and sauce is bubbly, 10-12 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 762 calories, Fat 43g fat (25g saturated fat), Cholesterol 134mg cholesterol, Sodium 1138mg sodium, Carbohydrate 61g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 32g protein.

BEST MAC 'N CHEESE EVER!



Best Mac 'N Cheese Ever! image

This is the best mac 'n cheese ever! I started out by going through the recipes on this site and when I found one I wanted to try, I was putting together the first few ingredients and said, 'Ya know what would be great to add to this...' and that's where the 'Best Mac 'N Cheese Ever' was created. By the time I was done and it was served at our New Year's Day lunch everyone was raving about how delish it was. Try this easy recipe for a down-home Southern taste of the Best Baked Mac 'N Cheese Ever!

Provided by CASS CLARK

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

Time 1h10m

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 11

cooking spray
1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
1 cup evaporated milk
4 extra large eggs
1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend
6 slices processed cheese food (such as Velveeta®), torn into 4 pieces
½ cup butter, melted

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • 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; pour macaroni into the prepared dish.
  • Beat eggs, sour cream, seasoned salt, and black pepper into a smooth mixture; stir Cheddar cheese and Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese into mixture until thoroughly combined. Pour over macaroni and mix well. Top casserole with torn pieces of processed cheese. Drizzle melted butter over casserole, especially along the sides.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until casserole is bubbling and cheese has melted, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 427.5 calories, Carbohydrate 27.3 g, Cholesterol 130.2 mg, Fat 27.9 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 17.1 g, SaturatedFat 17.2 g, Sodium 551 mg, Sugar 3.6 g

BEST EVER MACARONI CHEESE RECIPE



Best ever macaroni cheese recipe image

This perfect baked macaroni cheese recipe comes with a creamy cheese sauce, a hint of mustard and uses leftover French stick for its crunchy topping

Provided by Jennifer Joyce

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 9

50g baguette, cut into small chunks
2 tbsp butter, plus 1 tbsp melted
350g spiral or other short pasta
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 tsp English mustard powder
3 tbsp plain flour
500ml whole milk
250g vegetarian mature cheddar, grated
50g parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), grated

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Spread the baguette chunks over a baking sheet, drizzle with the melted butter and season. Bake for 6 mins until crisp, then set aside.
  • Boil the pasta for 2 mins less than stated on the pack, then drain. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the garlic and English mustard powder, cook for 1 min, then stir in the plain flour.
  • Cook for 1 min more, then gradually whisk in the milk until you have a lump-free sauce. Simmer for 5 mins, whisking all the time until thickened. Take off the heat, then stir in the cheddar and half the parmesan.
  • Stir the pasta and some seasoning into the cheesy sauce. Tip into a large ovenproof dish, or four individual dishes.
  • Scatter over the bread and the remaining parmesan, then bake for 20 mins until crisp and golden. Can be frozen before baking - defrost thoroughly before cooking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 860 calories, Fat 42 grams fat, SaturatedFat 25 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 88 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 9 grams sugar, Protein 38 grams protein, Sodium 1.9 milligram of sodium

THE BEST BAKED MAC & CHEESE RECIPE EVER



The Best Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe Ever image

Super creamy and gloriously cheesy, this classic baked mac and cheese boasts a golden bubbling lid with ooey gooey goodness underneath.

Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty

Categories     Main Course     Side Dish

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 ounces macaroni ( or other medium tubular pasta (like penne or conchiglie)* (1/2 pound or about 1 and 3/4 cups))
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika ((plus more for sprinkling on top))
2 1/2 cups 2% milk
3 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese ((approx. 12 ounces) **)

Steps:

  • Boil the pasta JUST until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and return to the pan you boiled it in. Set aside. (Mix in a little butter to keep the noodles from sticking if it's going to be awhile before you make the sauce)
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • To a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the butter. When the butter has melted, add the flour, salt, dry mustard, pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika. With a wooden spoon or whisk, stir constantly for three minutes.
  • Add the milk in a thin stream, stirring constantly with a whisk. Continue to stir constantly until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, 5-8 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and add 2 cups of the cheese, stirring until melted. You'll reserve the last cup of cheese for topping. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and toss gently until all of the pasta is coated.
  • Add half the pasta to a two-quart casserole dish (I like a tall 8-inch by 8-inch baking dish). Sprinkle on half the cheese. Add the rest of the pasta. Sprinkle on the rest of the cheese, then dust lightly with the smoked paprika.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the mac and cheese is bubbling and browning on top.
  • Serve, topping individual servings with parsley or cooked, chopped bacon if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 442 kcal, Sugar 7 g, Sodium 601 mg, Fat 22 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, Carbohydrate 38 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 23 g, Cholesterol 68 mg, ServingSize 1 serving

REALLY THE BEST-EVER MAC 'N' CHEESE



Really the Best-Ever Mac 'n' Cheese image

Better than the normal, everyday, mac-n-cheese. I found this recipe online. Note: Use large shells such as chiocciole or conchiglie, or large elbow macaroni. A stout would go very well with this dish.

Provided by spacholl

Categories     Brunch

Time 1h20m

Yield 12-16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon melted butter
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup flour
5 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1 bay leaf
4 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided
1 lb pasta shells (cooked according to package directions in salted water) or 1 lb elbow macaroni (cooked according to package directions in salted water)
1/2 cup heavy cream

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Toss the panko bread crumbs with the melted butter on a small baking pan. Toast the bread crumbs until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  • In a large saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat until melted, then stir in the flour. Heat and stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbling, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the milk. Add the dry mustard, white and cayenne pepper, nutmeg, salt and bay leaf. Heat and stir to boiling, then reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the bay leaf.
  • Stir in 3 cups of the cheddar until melted. Pour the sauce over the cooked macaroni in a large bowl, stirring until all of the macaroni is coated. Pour the macaroni into a well-buttered 9-by-13-inch casserole. Drizzle heavy cream around the edges of the casserole. Sprinkle on it the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese, then the toasted bread crumbs.
  • Cover the casserole with aluminum foil. Bake 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered an additional 10 minutes. Put under a preheated broiler for 5 minutes.

"WORLD'S BEST" MACARONI & CHEESE



We tasted this in Seattle at the Pike Place Market in the Beecher's store. It is the best! I had to get their recipe and I found it on the internet; It is a very rich creamy comfort food. I do not have Beecher's cheese so I improvised with what is available and it came out as tasty as the original. Serve this with a crisp salad. Enjoy!

Provided by Sageca

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h15m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

cheese sauce
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups 1% low-fat milk
14 ounces white medium cheddar, grated
2 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
1 ounce asiago cheese, grated
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4-1/2 teaspoon dried chipotle powder or 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne
pasta
12 ounces macaroni
salt for pasta water
2 ounces cheddar cheese, grated
2 ounces gruyere, grated
1/4-1/2 teaspoon dried chipotle powder or 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350; F. Set a large pot of water on high heat.
  • Meanwhile, begin the sauce by making a roux: in a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour. Continue to stir this roux over medium heat for two to three minutes.
  • The roux should be cooked and free of the flour flavor but still light in color.
  • Gradually add milk, whisking briskly to maintain a smooth sauce.
  • Cook the sauce for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching.
  • When sauce thickens, add cheeses, salt and spices to the sauce, and stir until all the cheese has melted. I make my sauces in the microwave; turns out great and never scorches.
  • Somewhere during this sauce-cooking process, your pasta water has started boiling. The original is made with Penne noodles. Add a generous amount of salt to the water and cook the pasta until almost but not quite al dente (two minutes before the package directions indicate). You want barely undercooked pasta so that it can finish in the oven later. Halt the cooking by draining the pasta and rinsing with cold water. Return pasta to pot.
  • Pour sauce over pasta and stir until completely incorporated. The combination should be fairly saucy, almost soupy.
  • Dish the mixture into a buttered 9-13 pan and sprinkle with extra grated cheeses and cayenne. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes, until you have beautiful, browned edges. Those edges will be a welcome and flavorful addition to each serving.
  • Let the dish sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. I divided this in 2 containers and froze one.

THE BEST MAC & CHEESE EVER - REALLY!



The Best Mac & Cheese Ever - Really! image

So,Emeril had this national mac & cheese contest and this is the winning recipe. Yes, it takes a bit longer to make, but it oh so worth it. Got rave reviews every time I've made it and will never use another mac & cheese recipe again.

Provided by Mary Beam

Categories     Pasta

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 head of garlic roasted
1 tsp olive oil
1 lb cavatappi pasta
1/2 lb applewood smoked bacon
1 1/2 c fresh white bread crumbs, 5 slices, crusts removed
1/2 c grated parmesan cheese
8 Tbsp butter
1/4 c minced shallots
1/2 c flour
1 qt whole milk
6 oz gruyere cheese, grated
8 oz extra sharp cheddar, grated
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • 2. To roast garlic: Slice ½ inch off the top of the entire head of garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap garlic head tightly in a square of heavy foil and roast until tender - about 45 minutes. Remove garlic pulp by squeezing garlic head. Smash cloves with a fork to form a paste.
  • 3. Cook pasta according to package directions.
  • 4. Cook bacon completely. Drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat. Crumble bacon when cool.
  • 5. To make topping: Combine breadcrumbs, crumbled bacon, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Set aside.
  • 6. Turn the oven up to 375 degrees.
  • 7. Sauté shallots over low heat in reserved bacon fat for one minute. Add remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and continue to sauté shallots in butter and bacon fat until translucent.
  • 8. Add flour and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes. Increase heat to medium. Stirring constantly with a whisk, add milk and roasted garlic paste.
  • 9. Cook until sauce is thickened (coats the back of a spoon). Remove sauce from heat then add salt, pepper, nutmeg, Gruyere and Cheddar cheeses. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
  • 10. Stir in cooked pasta. Pour into baking dish. Sprinkle topping to cover entire top. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until sauce is bubbly and topping is browned. Enjoy!
  • 11. Hints: ....Roast the garlic well ahead, because you'll need to let it cool, or you'll burn your fingers squeezing out the pulp. Learned this the hard way! Also, I baked mine for 15 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered and it was perfect.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Freshly grated cheese, creamy milk, and flavorful butter make all the difference in this recipe. Don't skimp on the quality of your ingredients.
  • Cook the macaroni perfectly: The macaroni should be al dente, which means it should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked macaroni will be mushy and ruin the texture of the mac and cheese.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken sauces. It helps to create a smooth and creamy mac and cheese.
  • Use a variety of cheeses: A combination of sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, and Parmesan cheese creates a complex and flavorful mac and cheese. You can also add other cheeses, such as Gruyère or fontina, to your liking.
  • Season the mac and cheese well: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are essential seasonings for mac and cheese. You can also add other spices, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or nutmeg, to taste.
  • Top with breadcrumbs and bake: A crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delicious texture and flavor to the mac and cheese. You can use panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers.

Conclusion:

This is the best mac and cheese recipe ever, really! It's creamy, cheesy, and flavorful, with a crispy breadcrumb topping that takes it over the top. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a holiday gathering. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!

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