Best 4 All American Macaroni Cheese Recipes

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Craving a dish that is rich, creamy, and packed with cheesy comfort? Look no further than the iconic all-American macaroni and cheese. It's a dish that transcends generations, appealing to everyone with its simple yet satisfying flavors. Whether you prefer a classic baked version or a decadent stovetop creation, finding the best recipe to suit your taste can be an exciting culinary adventure. With countless variations available, you can customize your macaroni and cheese to create a dish that's uniquely yours.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

ALL-AMERICAN MACARONI & CHEESE



All-American Macaroni & Cheese image

This is my version of an all-American classic. It is one of my ultimate favorite comfort foods--sinfully rich, gooey-cheesy and tummy-warming on a chilly day. In my opinion, using varying degrees of cheddar cheese creates the perfect flavor combination. I have experimented with other cheese combinations but usually return to the classic cheddars. After making this homemade mac-n-cheese for my husband, he was successfully converted from being a lover of boxed powdered mixes. Be advised that all diets go out the window for this one!

Provided by MarthaStewartWanabe

Categories     Cheese

Time 50m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup macaroni
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup onion, chopped fine
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
1/2 cup extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (I use Cabot's Seriously Sharp)
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (I use Cabot's Vermont Cheddar)
1/2 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • While making cheese mixture, cook macaroni per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
  • Cook onion and garlic in butter until translucent.
  • Add flour to saucepan and stir to combine, leaving no dry flour bits.
  • Add milk all at once to saucepan along with black pepper. Stir to combine. Stir constantly until mixture begins to thicken.
  • Stir in cheeses one at a time until melted, and mixture is smooth.
  • Place cooked macaroni in a 1-quart casserole dish. Stir in cheese mixture until combined.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until top is lightly browned.
  • Cool for 10 minutes and serve.

AMERICAN STYLE MAC AND CHEESE



American style Mac and Cheese image

An indulgent American style Mac and cheese, great for sharing as a side dish at family gatherings.

Provided by Derek Smith 4

Time 50m

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

500g packet macaroni
125g butter
4 tablespoons plain flour
400g grated cheddar cheese
475ml milk
400ml double cream
4 slices bread, torn into small pieces
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • 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 and reserve.
  • Preheat oven to 175 degrees C (350 degrees F)
  • In a large sauce pan, melt 4 tablespoons butter or margarine over medium heat. Add flour and some ground black pepper to taste; stirring until paste-like consistency.
  • Add milk to mixture and stir continually until mixture starts to thicken; slowly stir in cheese 1 cup at a time until all cheese is melted.
  • Add double cream
  • Pour cheese mixture over macaroni. Mix well and pour into a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Place bread pieces on top of macaroni mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Melt 4 tablespoons butter or margarine and pour over bread.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Serve.

THE GREAT AMERICAN MACARONI AND CHEESE



The Great American Macaroni and Cheese image

This recipe comes from the Pasta & Co. cookbook and is a favorite of mine. So delicious. They say not to substitute a smooth tube dried pasta but to always use rigatoni for the best results. It is not a fiery dish, even though it calls for Tabasco and chili powder. These only work to enhance the cheddar flavor.

Provided by Jennifer Rosholt

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 lb mozzarella cheese, grated
3 cups milk
7 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup romano cheese, grated
2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
1/3 teaspoon white pepper
1 lb rigatoni pasta
3/4 teaspoon chili powder
3/4 cup milk

Steps:

  • Combine grated Cheddar and mozzarella and set aside.
  • In a small saucepan, heat milk until near boiling. Turn off heat. Melt butter in a heavy pan large enough to hold the pasta after it is cooked. (It will take at least a 14-inch saute pan or a large casserole that can take direct heat.) When foam from butter recedes, remove from heat, add flour, and mix well. Return to medium-low heat, and, stirring occasionally, simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to cook, but not brown, the flour. Gradually stir in hot milk. Raise heat to medium-high and continue stirring until mixture is smooth and thick (about 5 minutes). Add Parmesan and Romano cheeses. Whisk until smooth. Add Tabasco and white pepper and blend.
  • Cook rigatoni in boiling salted water about 4 minutes. (It will be underdone, but will finish cooking later.) Thoroughly drain rigatoni and fold it into the cheese mixture.
  • If cooking immediately, preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Layer one-half the rigatoni mixture into a 9x13 pan. Top with one-half of the Cheddar and mozzarella. Repeat layers. Top with chili powder, sprinkled evenly over top.
  • If not baking immediately, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze. When ready to bake, drizzle the 3/4 cup milk over the dish. Bake for approximately one hour. If frozen, add at least 20 minutes to baking time. The dish should be rusty brown on top. Should it appear to be browning too fast, cover with foil for part of cooking time. Be sure to check for doneness in the very center of the dish.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 864.5, Fat 52.1, SaturatedFat 31.4, Cholesterol 208, Sodium 970.8, Carbohydrate 54.6, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 2.1, Protein 44.2

ALL-AMERICAN MAC & CHEESE



All-American Mac & Cheese image

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Recipes

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
8 oz Philadelphia Cream Cheese
16 oz Velveeta Cheese
2 cups milk, divided
1/2 cup Kraft Parmesan Cheese
1 lb small elbow macaroni
1 Tbsp salt
2 cups baked ham, chopped (optional)
8 oz Kraft Medium or Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Spray large saucepan with non-stick spray. Melt butter in saucepan on medium heat. When butter is about halfway melted, slice and add cream cheese.
  • When cream cheese is about halfway melted, slice and add Velveeta. When Velveeta Cheese begins to melt, add 1 cup milk and stir well. Add parmesan cheese and then add other 1 cup milk. Continue cooking until cheese sauce is well-blended
  • While making cheese sauce, cook macaroni with salted water according to package directions but reduce cooking time by 25% so macaroni is just done (still firm). Drain and rinse macaroni. Toss macaroni in large bowl with cheese sauce (and ham).
  • Spray 9x12 pan with non-stick spray. Pour half of mixture into pan and cover with half of grated cheese. Pour remaining half into pan and cover with remaining grated cheese.
  • Bake covered with non-stick foil at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking until bubbly. You can prepare dish unbaked the day before and refrigerate. In this case, increase baking time to 45-60 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 0 g, Fat 0 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 0 g, Sodium 0 g, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 0 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 0 g

Tips:

  • Use a good quality cheddar cheese. This is the key ingredient in macaroni and cheese, so don't skimp on the quality. A sharp cheddar will give you the best flavor.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente. You don't want it to be too soft or mushy.
  • Make a roux. This will help to thicken the cheese sauce and give it a smooth texture.
  • Use milk and cream. This will make the cheese sauce creamy and rich.
  • Season the cheese sauce to taste. Add salt, pepper, and other spices to your liking.
  • Top the macaroni and cheese with breadcrumbs. This will give it a nice crunchy topping.
  • Bake the macaroni and cheese until it's bubbly and golden brown. This will ensure that it's cooked through and delicious.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple tips, you can make the best macaroni and cheese that you've ever tasted. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed.

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