Macaroni and cheese, a dish beloved by people of all ages, is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and can be customized to suit individual tastes. Originating in the 13th century, macaroni and cheese has undergone many transformations over the years, resulting in a wide variety of recipes. Whether you prefer a simple and traditional version or one with a more complex flavor profile, there is a recipe out there that is sure to satisfy your cravings. In this article, we'll explore some of the best macaroni and cheese recipes, offering a range of options to suit different preferences and dietary restrictions.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
BEST BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE EVER!
After being dissatisfied with many macaroni and cheese recipes, I experimented and came up with my own. Everyone that has tried it simply raves about it... I don't mean to toot my own horn but beep beep! (Serves 4)
Provided by AinsleyRose
Categories Cheese
Time 35m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cook macaroni just until al dente and drain, set aside.
- While pasta is boiling, melt the butter in a large saucepan.
- Whisk in the flour over medium heat until smooth & bubbly (only about a minute).
- Stir in evaporated milk, cheese spread, pepper, mustard, seasoned salt, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pepper Keep cooking and stirring over medium heat until sauce has thickened (about 3 or 4 minutes).
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Velveeta to the white sauce and stir just until cheeses have melted.
- Add macaroni and stir until pasta is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
- Pour into a casserole dish sprayed with Pam.
- Arrange cheese slices on top, sprinkle with cracker crumbs and dot somewhat generously with butter.
- Bake 15-20 minutes or until top is nice and golden and casserole is heated through.
- Let stand about 5 minutes before serving and enjoy!
REATA'S BEST DAMN MACARONI AND CHEESE EVER
This is the recipe that caused me to buy the Reata's cookbook. Boy, was it worth it! I've loved homemade mac and cheese since forever, but finding one that my family would enjoy hadn't worked until now. I've tried recipes from all sorts of cookbooks: Martha Stewart's, Better Home and Gardens, and too many others to list. I'd given up hope until I found this one. This is a keeper! My daughter and I did have trouble finding asiago cheese in our small West Texas town, so she drove to San Antonio and bought some for me. That is trust and love.
Provided by LoriLee in TX
Categories Cheese
Time 17m
Yield 1 casserole, 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat the oven on the broil setting.
- Heat a large pot to medium and add the heavy cream. When the cream begins to bubble around the edges, add 1/2 cup each of the asiago and Monterey jack cheese, stirring constantly until the cheeses are melted.
- Remove from heat and add the macaroni, stirring until thoroughly incorporated.
- Add the diced jalapenos and bacon. The cheese mixture should be like glue now. If it's not add a little more of the remaining 1/4 cup of asiago and Monterey jack cheeses until they are melted and the mixture isn't too wet looking. If the mixture seems too dry, add 2 tablespoons of the heavy cream until it's the consistency you like.
- Sprinkle in a little salt and pepper. I didn't use very much. The bacon and cheese must have plenty of salt.
- Pour the mixture into a large baking dish and distribute evenly. Top with the cheddar cheese and if you wish, the bread crumbs.
- Place the dish under the broiler. It's done when the cheese on top begins to bubble and brown around the edges.
- Note: Don't be afraid to add all the jalapenos. I was afraid they'd be too hot for the grandkids who don't care for the heat. But the peppers didn't seem hot at all.
BEST EVER MACARONI AND CHEESE
Perfect for a cold winter's night, this macaroni and cheese is a far cry from the supermarket variety. Rich and creamy with a slight kick, it is rounded off with the topping's crunch. I like to use a variety of cheeses in this. I have used bleu, gouda, gruyere, swiss, cheddar, smoked cheeses, gouda, and others, all with fabulous results. This recipe freezes wonderfully and is just as delicious when reheated in the microwave. 6 cups of cheese approximately equals 2 - 2.25 lbs. Feel free to substitute turkey bacon, or use butter (6 TBS) instead of bacon grease.
Provided by CoreyMB
Categories Cheese
Time 1h30m
Yield 3 quarts, 10-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350*F.
- Grease a deep 3-quart baking dish and set aside.
- Cook bacon until crispy, reserving the grease.
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions for al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Crumble the bacon into the crushed crackers and add 1 cup of the grated cheese.
- Pulse in a food processor and set aside.
- Measure 6 tbs of bacon grease and heat in a large saucepan until bubbling.
- Add flour all at once, whisking until incorporated.
- Add the onion powder, both paprikas, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Continue to whisk for another 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and evaporated milk.
- Whisk continuously on medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens slightly.
- Lower the temperature to a simmer.
- Add the worcestershire, nutmeg, and hot sauce.
- Stir in the remaining 5 cups of grated cheese.
- Stir over low heat until the cheeses are melted.
- Beat the two eggs in a small bowl.
- Add about a cup of the cheese sauce mixture to the eggs, and whisk rapidly.
- Whisk the egg mixture back into the pot.
- Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce mixture. It will be very loose; the macaroni will absorb excess liquid as it bakes.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with the cracker-bacon-cheese mixture.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the middle is set.
- Allow to rest for 15 minutes before serving.
TAMMY'S BEST-EVER MACARONI & CHEESE
I originally got a simple recipe from my mother and just added a few extras. I like gooey, cheesey food that sticks to your ribs!
Provided by Tammy Andrews
Categories Pasta Shells
Time 45m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Begin by boiling your pasta in large pot for 10-12 minutes, no longer.
- Drain and leave pasta in colander for time being.
- In the pot you are using, over med-med.
- high heat (not boiling) add your heavy cream,onion powder,1 tbs.
- salt and pepper (to your preference).
- Mix and then begin adding your cheese,2 cups at a time.
- Stir until cheese is completely melted.
- Once cheese is melted, remove from heat and stir in your pasta until completely coated.
- Pour into a large buttered casserole dish.
- Bake in a 350% preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until brown and bubbly.
THE BEST MACARONI AND CHEESE EVER!
A couple of years ago, my friends Kymberli and Courtney shared a recipe for macaroni and cheese with me. I fell in love with it; however, I made several changes to it first. This recipe is a hit with my family and friends! Every year my middle school students beg me to make it for our Thanksgiving potluck! It's that good!!!
Provided by Katrina Roubedeaux
Categories Pasta Sides
Time 1h5m
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- 1. Preheat oven to 375.
- 2. In a large, heavy bottom sauce pan, cook noodles according to package. I prefer to boil my noodles in chicken broth. This adds flavor!
- 3. In a separate sauce pan, sauté chopped bacon until cooked through. Add the ham to the bacon/grease, and stir until heated through. With a slotted spoon, remove the meat and set aside. Add the butter to the bacon grease and melt it down. Add soups, heavy cream, and evaporated milk mixing constantly over medium heat until smooth.
- 4. Once the cheese mix is smooth, the the noodles and mix evenly.
- 5. Add 6 cups of the shredded cheese. Make sure the cheese sauce and shredded cheese evenly coat the noodles.
- 6. Pour half of the noodle mix into a 13x9 baking dish.
- 7. Sprinkle half of the bacon and ham mix over the noodles.
- 8. Top the bacon and ham with the slices of provolone.
- 9. Add the remaining noodles over the first layer. Spread them evenly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- 10. Layer the remaining shredded cheese, bacon, and ham over.
- 11. Poke the cubes of block cheese into the Mac evenly spread apart. These pockets of yumminess will surprise your guest!
- 12. In a food processor or blender, pulse croutons until they become a fine breadcrumb.
- 13. Sprinkle the crumbs over the top of the Mac.
- 14. Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes.
- 15. During the last 10 minutes remove the foil.
- 16. This recipe is just as good without the bacon and ham.
BEST MACARONI AND CHEESE YOU'LL EVER EAT
Categories Cheese Side Fry Kid-Friendly Quick & Easy Dinner Lunch
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Pour macaroni in boiling water and cook for 7 or 8 minutes. When done, drain and set aside. In a medium to large sauce pan, melt butter. When totally melted add in flour and salt. Whisk with spoon or fork until completely uniform in texture. Add milk and cream and cook over medium heat until bubbling and thick. Add cheese and stir into mixture until completely melted. Add macaroni and enjoy!
Tips:
- Use a good quality cheddar cheese. A sharp cheddar will give you the best flavor.
- Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose, which can make your macaroni and cheese grainy.
- Cook the macaroni al dente. You don't want it to be too soft, or it will get mushy when you bake it.
- Make sure the cheese sauce is thick enough. It should coat the macaroni evenly, but it shouldn't be too thick or gloopy.
- Bake the macaroni and cheese until it's bubbly and golden brown. This will give it a nice crust and help to prevent it from drying out.
Conclusion:
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, so you can make it as cheesy, spicy, or creamy as you want. With a little bit of effort, you can make a delicious macaroni and cheese that will be the hit of your next party or potluck.
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