Best 7 Very Creamy Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

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

Indulge in a culinary delight with our creamy macaroni and cheese recipes, an irresistible comfort food that will tantalize your taste buds. Discover the classic macaroni and cheese recipe, a timeless dish made with tender macaroni enveloped in a luscious, velvety cheese sauce. For a more elevated experience, try the lobster macaroni and cheese, where succulent lobster meat adds a luxurious touch to the creamy cheese sauce. If you're seeking a healthier option, the butternut squash macaroni and cheese offers a delightful twist with roasted butternut squash and a hint of nutmeg. For a unique flavor profile, explore the goat cheese macaroni and cheese, where tangy goat cheese blends harmoniously with the creamy cheese sauce. And for a vegetarian delight, the roasted vegetable macaroni and cheese combines colorful roasted vegetables with a rich and flavorful cheese sauce. Each recipe offers a unique take on this classic dish, ensuring an unforgettable culinary journey.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

HOMEMADE MAC AND CHEESE CASSEROLE



Homemade Mac and Cheese Casserole image

This homemade Mac and Cheese Casserole is the best you've ever had. Tender noodles in a velvety sauce make the perfectly irresistible dish!!

Provided by Holly Nilsson

Categories     Casserole     Dinner     Entree     Main Course     Pasta

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 11

12 ounces dry elbow macaroni
¼ cup butter
¼ cup flour
1 ½ cups milk
1 cup light cream (about 10-12% MF)
½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
salt & pepper to taste
1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup (optional 10.75 ounces)
4 cups sharp cheddar (divided)
½ cup fresh parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F.
  • Cook macaroni al dente (firm) according to package directions. Drain and run under cold water.
  • Melt butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Whisk in flour and let cook 2 minutes while stirring. Slowly whisk in milk, cream, mustard powder, onion powder, salt & pepper to taste. Cook over medium heat while stirring until thickened.
  • Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese & 3 cups cheddar cheese until melted. Add soup if using.
  • Toss cheese sauce & macaroni noodles together. Pour into a greased 9×13 pan. Top with remaining cheese.
  • Bake 18-24 minutes or until bubbly. Do not over cook. Cool 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 539 kcal, Carbohydrate 39 g, Protein 24 g, Fat 32 g, SaturatedFat 20 g, Cholesterol 98 mg, Sodium 529 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 4 g, TransFat 1 g, UnsaturatedFat 10 g, ServingSize 1 serving

ULTRA CREAMY BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



Ultra Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese image

Our favorite mac and cheese recipe calls on a few smart steps to make sure the macaroni and cheese is ultra creamy and flavorful. While many cheeses can work in this recipe, the two cheeses we go back to again and again are sharp white cheddar and Pecorino-Romano cheese. The cheddar melts down to be creamy and the pecorino adds a sharp salty bite to the sauce. For the creamiest sauce, we hand grate the cheese since previously shredded cheeses don't seem to melt as well.

Provided by Adam and Joanne Gallagher

Categories     American

Time 1h

Yield Makes 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound dried pasta like elbow macaroni, shells or penne
Salt, to taste
5 cups (1180 ml) milk, whole or 2% are best
5 tablespoons (70 grams) unsalted butter
5 tablespoons (45 grams) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
1 pound sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded (4 heaping cups), plus more if baking (about 1/2 cup)
5 ounces (140 grams) Pecorino-Romano cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups)

Steps:

  • For baked macaroni and cheese, heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and butter a 3-quart casserole dish or spray with non-stick cooking spray. For stove-top mac and cheese, move on to the next step.
  • Grate the cheeses and set aside. For baked mac and cheese, reserve 1/2 cup for topping the pasta before baking in the oven.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil, add the pasta then follow package directions, but cook 2 minute less than the recommended cook time. Drain then rinse pasta with cold water and set aside.
  • Add milk to a large microwave-safe measuring jug and microwave 1 to 3 minutes until warm. Alternatively, you can add milk to a large saucepan over medium heat then heat milk until warm.
  • While the milk warms up, melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. When the butter begins to bubble, add the flour. Cook, constantly whisking until the butter smells fragrant and nutty - the color of the butter-flour mixture will be light brown; 2 to 3 minutes.
  • While whisking, slowly pour the warm milk into butter and flour mixture. Continue to cook, constantly whisking until the sauce bubbles and thickens. Remove the pan from the heat. and then stir in mustard, black pepper, cayenne, nutmeg, 4 cups of cheddar and all of the Romano cheese. Stir until the heat from the sauce melts the cheese.
  • Taste the sauce for seasoning, and then adjust with additional spices or salt (we usually start with 1/2 teaspoon of fine salt and go from there).
  • If the drained and rinsed pasta will fit into the pan, add it to the cheese sauce. If the pasta will not fit, add both the pasta and sauce to a separate large bowl and stir well.
  • For a stovetop mac and cheese, cover with a lid and set aside for 5 minutes. In this time the pasta will absorb some of the extra cheese sauce. Serve.
  • For a baked mac and cheese, pour the pasta into the prepared baking dish. Top with the reserved 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
  • Bake, uncovered, until bubbling, about 30 minutes. For browned cheese on top, turn the oven to broil, and then broil 3 to 5 minutes until the top has blistered and lightly browned. Let stand about 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1/10 of the dish, Calories 578, Fat 28.1g, SaturatedFat 16.4g, Cholesterol 87.2mg, Sodium 728.9mg, Carbohydrate 51.1g, Fiber 1.7g, Sugar 14g, Protein 29.6g

CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Creamy Macaroni and Cheese image

This is the ultimate creamy mac and cheese recipe. It's saucy, thick and very rich, with a wonderful cheddar flavor. Once you taste it, you'll be hooked. -Cindy Hartley, Chesapeake, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 to 2 cups 2% milk
1 cup sour cream
8 ounces cubed Velveeta
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. , Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add 1-1/2 cups milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat; stir in sour cream, Velveeta, Parmesan cheese, salt, mustard and pepper until smooth and cheese is melted. Add additional milk to reach desired consistency. , Drain macaroni; toss with cheddar cheese. Transfer to a greased 3-qt. baking dish. Stir in cream sauce. , Bake, uncovered, 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 653 calories, Fat 46g fat (30g saturated fat), Cholesterol 143mg cholesterol, Sodium 1141mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 25g protein.

CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Creamy Macaroni and Cheese image

Macaroni and cheese is perfect supper food. It's a kids' favorite, and adults like it too. My recipe is simple and almost as quick as the boxed variety.

Provided by USA WEEKEND columnist Pam Anderson

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

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 tablespoon salt
1 pound elbow, shell or other bite-size shaped pasta
2 (12 fluid ounce) cans evaporated milk
1 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons butter
⅓ cup flour
1 ½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground black pepper
1 pound grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Bring 2 quarts of water to boil in large soup kettle. Add salt and pasta. Using package directions as a guide, cook until al dente. Drain. To prevent sticking, drain and immediately pour onto a large lipped baking sheet and let cool while preparing sauce.
  • Meanwhile, microwave the milk and chicken broth in a 4-cup Pyrex measuring cup or bowl until hot and steamy (not boiling). Melt butter in the empty pasta pot; whisk in flour, then hot milk mixture. Continue to whisk until thick and bubbly, 3 to 4 minutes. Whisk in mustard, Parmesan and pepper. Turn off heat, stir in cheddar until melted.
  • Add drained pasta (and optional flavoring ingredients, see notes) to sauce, and stir until everything is well combined over low heat. Stir to heat through, and thin with a little water if the sauce is too thick. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 529.1 calories, Carbohydrate 47.1 g, Cholesterol 82.3 mg, Fat 26.5 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 25.1 g, SaturatedFat 16.1 g, Sodium 1202.9 mg, Sugar 8.5 g

CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Creamy Macaroni and Cheese image

There are two schools of thought about macaroni and cheese: Some like it crusty and extra-cheesy (here's our recipe), while others prefer it smooth and creamy. But most people are delighted by any homemade macaroni and cheese. It is light years ahead of the boxed versions. This creamy version has one powerful advantage for the cook: There's no need to preboil the pasta. It cooks in the oven, absorbing the liquid from the dairy products.

Provided by Julia Moskin

Categories     brunch, dinner, easy, lunch, weekday, casseroles, main course, side dish

Time 1h40m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup cottage cheese (not low-fat)
2 cups milk (not skim)
1 teaspoon dry mustard
Pinch of ground cayenne
Pinch of ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound sharp or extra-sharp Cheddar, grated
1/2 pound elbow pasta, uncooked

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375 degrees and position an oven rack in upper third of oven. Use 1 tablespoon butter to grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan.
  • In a blender, purée cottage cheese, milk, mustard, cayenne, nutmeg and salt and pepper. Reserve 1/4 cup grated Cheddar for topping. In a large bowl, combine remaining grated Cheddar, milk mixture and uncooked pasta. Pour into prepared pan, cover tightly with foil and bake 30 minutes.
  • Uncover pan, stir gently, sprinkle with reserved cheese and dot with remaining tablespoon butter. Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes more, until browned. Let cool at least 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 427, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 26 grams, Fat 26 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 22 grams, SaturatedFat 15 grams, Sodium 496 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams, TransFat 1 gram

CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Creamy Macaroni and Cheese image

This is my absolute very favorite macaroni and cheese recipe and I have a large collection of m/c recipes. Adapted from Southern Living. I don't make this very often because I could literally eat the whole thing and lick the dish clean.

Provided by ratherbeswimmin

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h20m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon garlic granules
2 cups half-and-half
2 cups milk
2 (10 ounce) packages sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided (I use Cracker Barrel)
1 (10 ounce) package extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (I use Cracker Barrel)
1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni, cooked

Steps:

  • In a big skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
  • Whisk the flour in gradually until the mixture is smooth.
  • Cook and whisk continually for 2 minutes.
  • Add in salt, pepper, cayenne, and garlic; stir to combine.
  • Gradually whisk in half-and-half and milk.
  • Cook and whisk continually for 8-10 minutes or until mixture is thickened.
  • Add in half of the sharp cheddar cheese; stir.
  • Add in all of the extra-sharp cheddar cheese; stir until smooth.
  • Take skillet off stove burner.
  • Mix together the cooked macaroni and cheese mixture; transfer to a greased 13x9 inch casserole dish.
  • Sprinkle with the remaining sharp cheddar cheese.
  • Bake in a 350° oven for 20 minutes (may need to bake longer for a crispy top).

VERY CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Very Creamy Macaroni and Cheese image

Make and share this Very Creamy Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by MizzNezz

Categories     Cheese

Time 35m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 cup minced onion
1 tablespoon oil
3 1/2 cups cooked macaroni
1 3/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon parsley
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 3/4 cups cottage cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Sauté onions in oil until tender.
  • Add macaroni, cheddar cheese, and parsley.
  • Mix milk, cottage cheese, salt and pepper until smooth; mix well.
  • Add to macaroni mixture, mix well.
  • Pour into a greased 2 qt casserole.
  • Bake, uncovered, at 350* for 25 minutes.

Tips:

  • Use a good quality cheese: For the creamiest, most flavorful macaroni and cheese, use a combination of sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Other suitable cheeses include Gruyère, Fontina, and Gouda.
  • Cook the macaroni until it is al dente: Al dente means "to the tooth," and it refers to the texture of pasta that is still slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked macaroni will be mushy and will not hold its shape well in the macaroni and cheese.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of melted butter and flour that is used to thicken sauces. It adds a creamy texture to the macaroni and cheese and helps to prevent the cheese from curdling.
  • Use milk and cream: The combination of milk and cream creates a rich, creamy sauce for the macaroni and cheese. You can use all milk or all cream, but a combination of the two is ideal.
  • Season the macaroni and cheese: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are all classic seasonings for macaroni and cheese. You can also add other spices, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or nutmeg, to taste.
  • Top with bread crumbs: Bread crumbs add a crispy, golden-brown topping to the macaroni and cheese. You can use plain bread crumbs or seasoned bread crumbs.

Conclusion:

With its creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and crispy topping, macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, so feel free to experiment with different cheeses, seasonings, and toppings. Whether you are making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, macaroni and cheese is sure to be a hit.

Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »

    #60-minutes-or-less     #time-to-make     #course     #main-ingredient     #cuisine     #preparation     #occasion     #north-american     #main-dish     #eggs-dairy     #pasta     #american     #southern-united-states     #oven     #easy     #kid-friendly     #cheese     #dietary     #comfort-food     #inexpensive     #northeastern-united-states     #pasta-rice-and-grains     #elbow-macaroni     #taste-mood     #equipment

Related Topics