Best 2 Ultimate Creamy Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

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**Ultimate Creamy Macaroni and Cheese: A Culinary Delight for Cheese Lovers**

Indulge in the delectable symphony of flavors that is the ultimate creamy macaroni and cheese. This classic comfort food dish, elevated to new heights of creaminess and richness, promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. From the velvety smooth cheese sauce to the tender macaroni and the crispy golden-brown breadcrumb topping, each bite is a journey through a cheesy wonderland. This recipe collection offers variations to suit every palate, whether you prefer a classic rendition or crave something unique. Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will redefine your perception of macaroni and cheese.

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

THE ULTIMATE CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE



The Ultimate Creamy Macaroni and Cheese image

There is always room for one more mac & cheese recipe. This newly created version with the addition of ricotta cheese puts a whole new spin on this traditional comfort food. Is this recipe too large for your family? Remember, Mac & Cheese is terrific frozen in serving size portions for use later. Created for RSC 16, and was awarded First Place. My thanks to everyone that reviewed the recipe.

Provided by Diana 2

Categories     Macaroni And Cheese

Time 1h5m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/2 tablespoon butter
1 1/2 cups sweet onions, chopped
3 liters water, boiling
1 tablespoon salt
4 cups cavatappi pasta, uncooked
1 cup half-and-half cream
1 cup low-fat milk
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon hot chili sauce, to start
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
2 cups old cheddar cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 cup corn, flake crumbs
1/4 cup old cheddar cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • Saute onions, on low heat, in 1 tbsp of butter until just tender, but not brown. Set aside.
  • In a large pot, add 1 tbsp salt to the boiling water, and cook pasta until al denta. Drain, but do not rinse.
  • While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce.
  • In a microwave safe measuring cup, mix the half and half with the milk, and heat for 2 minutes on high, in the microwave. Let sit in the microwave until ready to use. (This step is not crucial, but the sauce will thicken faster when using warmed milk.).
  • Preheat oven to 350*. Spray a large casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a medium sized saucepan, using medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter along with the black pepper. Once bubbling, sprinkle with 1/4 cup of flour. Allow a few moments for the fat to absorb the flour, then stir to combine. Carefully stir the warmed cream/milk into the butter/flour mixture and cook until thickened. This generally takes about 10 minutes on my stove.
  • Remove from heat, and stir in the onions, hot chili sauce, ricotta cheese, and the 2 cups of shredded cheddar. Stir until the cheddar has melted. Taste, and add the optional salt if needed. Depending on your taste, you may also opt to increase the amount of hot chili sauce as well.
  • Pour the sauce over the drained pasta and gently stir. Pour into the prepared casserole dish.
  • Mix together 1 tbsp melted butter with the corn flake crumbs. Sprinkle over the pasta and top with the 1/4 cup shredded cheddar.
  • Bake for 35 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling.

ULTIMATE CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Ultimate Creamy Macaroni and Cheese image

This is just an awesome recipe for macaroni and cheese. It was passed down to me by a friend of my mother's who was elderly at the time she gave it to me. She was in her 80's when she gave it to me and has since passed away. I'm so glad that I was able to get this from her because it's the best recipe for macaroni and cheese...

Provided by Robyn Bruce

Categories     Side Casseroles

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb dry macaroni
4 c whole milk
4 Tbsp butter
6 Tbsp all purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
salt and pepper to taste
12 oz grated or shredded gruyere cheese
4 c grated or shredded new york sharp cheddar cheese or monterey jack cheese

Steps:

  • 1. Bring large pot of unsalted water to a boil and cook macaroni just until tender. Drain, rinse under cold water. Drain again and set aside. (I use unsalted water because cheese is naturally salty. You can always use a little salt once it is on your plate if it's not salty enough for your taste.)
  • 2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • 3. Bring milk just to a boil in heavy saucepan (remove the second it starts to boil to prevent scalding) and set aside.
  • 4. Meanwhile, melt butter in another saucepan and add flour. Whisk over low heat for 5 minutes. Do not brown.
  • 5. Remove from heat and add hot milk to flour mixture. Whisk well. Add 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Return pan to heat. Cook over medium heat whisking constantly until thickened - about 5 minutes. Do not brown.
  • 6. Remove from heat. Butter a 13 X 9 X 2 baking dish. Fill it evenly with macaroni and sauce.
  • 7. Distribute the grated cheeses evenly over macaroni, sprinkle with black pepper and additional paprika.
  • 8. Place dish on baking sheet. Bake, uncovered, until hot - 20 to 25 minutes. Place under broiler until top is slightly golden and bubbly - 3 or 4 minutes.

Tips:

  • Use a good quality cheese: This is the most important ingredient in macaroni and cheese, so don't skimp on it. Use a cheese that melts well and has a good flavor, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente: This means that the macaroni should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. If you overcook the macaroni, it will become mushy and the dish will be less enjoyable.
  • 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 or cream: Milk or cream is used to thin out the cheese sauce and make it more pourable. You can use whole milk, low-fat milk, or even heavy cream. The type of milk or cream you use will affect the richness and creaminess of the sauce.
  • Season the sauce: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are classic seasonings for macaroni and cheese. You can also add other spices, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or cumin, to taste.
  • Add mix-ins: Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be customized with a variety of mix-ins. Some popular mix-ins include cooked bacon, diced ham, shredded chicken, or vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, or peas.
  • Bake the macaroni and cheese: Baking the macaroni and cheese helps to brown the top and create a crispy crust. You can bake the macaroni and cheese in a casserole dish or in individual ramekins.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a relatively easy dish to make, and there are many different variations that you can try. With a little practice, you can make a macaroni and cheese that is sure to impress your family and friends.

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