Best 2 Better Than Moms Mac N Cheese Recipes

In the culinary world, mac and cheese stands tall as a comfort food classic, evoking memories of heartwarming family meals and childhood indulgence. However, the pursuit of mac and cheese perfection often leaves us yearning for a rendition that surpasses even our mothers' cherished recipe. This article embarks on a culinary journey to uncover the secrets of creating a mac and cheese dish that transcends the ordinary, elevating it to a level where it outshines even the most revered family tradition. Through a careful exploration of ingredient choices, cooking techniques, and innovative flavor combinations, we aim to empower you with the knowledge and inspiration to craft a mac and cheese masterpiece that will leave your taste buds in awe and redefine your expectations of this beloved dish.

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

BETTER THAN MOM'S MAC 'N CHEESE

Better Than Mom's Mac 'N Cheese image

Homemade macaroni and cheese is comfort food all the way and this recipe is ooey, gooey goodness. We loved ALL the types of cheese in this divine mac and cheese. Munster cheese and the extra sharp cheddar really stood out for us in the recipe. The cheesy crouton crumb topping is the perfect final touch. The next time you have an...

Provided by Tere Gill

Categories Pasta Sides

Time 1h45m

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

4 qt water, boiling
1 tsp salt
8 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 Tbsp butter, room temperature
4 oz cream cheese (1/2 brick), room temperature
1/8 c blue cheese crumbles
1/4 c Asiago cheese, shredded
1/3 c Munster cheese, shredded
1/2 c mild cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 c extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2/3 c Monterey jack cheese, shredded
1 c half & half creamer (or combination of heavy cream & whole milk)
1 large egg
1/2 tsp seasoned salt
1/16 tsp ground black pepper
TOPPING
1 Tbsp butter, melted
1 c herb seasoned croutons, crushed
1/8 c grated Parmesan, Romano & Asiago cheese blend (shaker container type)

Steps:

1. (NOTE:) Recipe may be doubled for 9"x13" or 4 qt. casserole.
2. Lightly grease a 2 or 2 1/2 quart casserole dish; set aside.
3. (This step is the most time consuming, so you may want to shred the cheeses ahead of time. Please don't use the pre-shredded cheeses as it will negatively affect your results.) Gather and prep all ingredients except macaroni (shred cheeses, crush croutons etc...).
4. Add water and 1 teaspoon salt to large pot (5 qt. or larger;) over high heat, bring water to boil.
5. Add macaroni; stir. When water returns to boil, reduce heat to medium-high; set timer and cook for 8 minutes.
6. Drain macaroni, but do NOT rinse.
7. Return macaroni to the hot pot.
8. Immediately add butter and cream cheese; stir gently until melted.
9. Preheat oven to 350ºF. In a plastic food bag or bowl combine cheeses.
10. Add combined cheeses to macaroni. Stir to mix well.
11. Into the half & half, add egg, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Whisk or beat well with a fork until very well combined.
12. Pour over macaroni and cheese mixture in pan; stir to mix well.
13. Pour macaroni mixture evenly into prepared dish. (If you have a little shredded cheese leftover, you may sprinkle on top of macaroni mixture, up to 1/2 cup.)
14. Make the topping by combining crushed croutons with melted butter.
15. Stir to coat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
16. Sprinkle evenly over macaroni.
17. Bake at 350ºF for approximately 50 to 60 minutes (place a sheet of aluminum foil over it, towards the end of cooking time, if it is beginning to become too browned).
18. Serve immediately. Cover and refrigerate leftovers. If reheating, add a tablespoon of milk or half & half to the bottom of the dish.

MAMA'S BEST MACARONI AND CHEESE

Mama's Best Macaroni and Cheese image

My kids say this is better than 'the blues' and gobble it up, even when I toss in a handful of cooked veggies like broccoli, peas, carrots, etc.... Make it a one dish meal with some tuna, cooked ham, etc... It is just as easy as the 'blue box' at least I think so and it is much healthier!

Provided by Mamas Kitchen Hope

Categories Cheese

Time 20m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 dash pepper
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1 cup milk
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups macaroni, cooked
1 pinch cayenne (optional)

Steps:

Make a roux by melting butter in pan and adding flour. Stir constantly and cook until it is the color of caramel candy. It burns easily so stir stir stir!
Slowly and carefully add milk while stirring.
When milk starts to steam add cheese and seasonings and stir until melted and well combined.
Pour over cooked macaroni noodles and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 276.1, Fat 12.2, SaturatedFat 7.4, Cholesterol 35.6, Sodium 269.8, Carbohydrate 30.3, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 1.1, Protein 10.9

Tips:

Make sure to use a good quality cheese. A sharp cheddar or Gruyère will give you the best flavor.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. You can use a combination of cheeses to create a unique flavor profile.
Don't overcook the macaroni. It should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
Use a roux to thicken the cheese sauce. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is cooked until it is golden brown. This will help to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
Add some seasonings to the cheese sauce. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are all good options.
Top the mac and cheese with breadcrumbs before baking it. This will give it a crispy topping.
Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help it to set and make it easier to serve.

Conclusion:

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and loved by people of all ages. With a few simple tips, you can make a mac and cheese that is even better than your mom's. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try.