Best 7 Classic Creamy Mac And Cheese Recipes

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Classic Creamy Mac and Cheese: A Comfort Food Favorite

Whether it's a cozy night in or a special family gathering, there's nothing quite like a warm and comforting bowl of classic creamy mac and cheese. This timeless dish has been a staple in kitchens for generations, and for good reason. With its rich, velvety sauce, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a sprinkling of cheese on top, it's a culinary delight that appeals to people of all ages. In this article, we'll take you on a culinary journey to discover the secrets of making the perfect classic creamy mac and cheese. From selecting the best ingredients to mastering the art of the roux, we'll provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to create a dish that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. So, grab your apron and let's dive into the world of cheese, pasta, and creamy goodness!

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

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 BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

This baked mac and cheese - perfect for a large crowd or as a side dish - is super simple to make. The cream cheese gives it richness and a little tang.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 50m

Yield Serves 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Kosher salt
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 1/2 cups half and half
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pound cream cheese, room temperature
8 ounces sharp Cheddar, shredded (about 3 cups)
3 ounces gruyere cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
1 cup panko bread crumbs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Steps:

  • Set an oven rack 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until it is al dente, about 6 minutes. Strain, reserving 1 3/4 cups of the pasta water. Set aside.
  • Heat the half-and-half and cayenne in a large saucepan over medium heat until it just comes to a simmer. Continue simmering until the half-and-half is reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 15 minutes. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Whisk in the Cheddar and Gruyere until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Add the macaroni and the reserved pasta water to the saucepan and stir to combine. (It will look very loose, but the pasta will suck up a lot of the sauce as it bakes.) Season to taste with salt if needed. Pour into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Toss the bread crumbs with the butter and a sprinkle of salt in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and the bread crumbs are lightly browned and crispy, about 10 minutes.

CLASSIC MAC AND CHEESE



Classic Mac and Cheese image

Nothing is better than homemade classic mac and cheese, the ultimate comfort food!

Provided by T-fal

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

Time 45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 cups whole milk
8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
4 ounces shredded Swiss cheese
4 ounces Velveeta® processed cheese
½ cup panko bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain.
  • Melt the butter in the bottom of an oven-proof fry pan. Add the flour and stir over heat until just beginning to brown - don't let it get too brown. Take it off the heat and stir in about 1 cup of milk until the butter and flour mixture is fully incorporated. Put it back on the heat and simmer until just beginning to thicken, about 5 minutes. Add the rest of the milk; stir to fully incorporate.
  • Add all of the cheeses and stir to melt. Once melted, add the cooked macaroni. Stir to mix.
  • Cover the top of the mac and cheese with panko crumbs and place the pan in the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until it is bubbling and the bread crumbs are slightly browned.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 537.7 calories, Carbohydrate 54.8 g, Cholesterol 75.5 mg, Fat 25.3 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 23.6 g, SaturatedFat 15.5 g, Sodium 517.5 mg, Sugar 5.7 g

CLASSIC CREAMY MAC AND CHEESE



Classic Creamy Mac and Cheese image

Bring back a culinary cornerstone with our Classic Creamy Mac and Cheese. Two different kinds of cheese and sour cream make for a luscious dish, and the corn flake topping adds just the right amount of crunch. You're sure to be pleased with the timelessness of our Classic Creamy Mac and Cheese.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 cup sour cream
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup 2% milkfat low fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup corn flakes
1 Tbsp. butter, melted

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375ºF.
  • Cook macaroni in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt; drain. Return to pan. Add sour cream and cheeses; mix lightly.
  • Spoon into 1-1/2 qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray; top with corn flakes. Drizzle with butter.
  • Bake 20 min. or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 390, Fat 24 g, SaturatedFat 15 g, TransFat 0.5 g, Cholesterol 80 mg, Sodium 420 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 15 g

OLD-FASHIONED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese image

Bring back the taste of days gone by with this ooey-gooey mac-and-cheese classic. A little ground mustard and hot pepper sauce give it just the right spice. -James Backman, Centralia, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Side Dishes

Time 1h

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

3-1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (about 12 ounces)
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Few dashes hot pepper sauce
3-1/2 cups whole milk
5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni in boiling water until almost tender; drain. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, melt butter. Stir in the flour, salt, mustard, pepper and pepper sauce until smooth. Cook for 1 minute or until bubbly. Stir in the macaroni, milk and 4 cups cheese. , Transfer to an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until bubbly. Uncover; sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts :

CLASSIC BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY



Classic Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: unsalted butter, all purpose flour, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, whole milk, heavy cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, elbow macaroni, unsalted butter, kosher salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, panko breadcrumbs

Provided by Next Level Chef on Fox

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

½ stick unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 ¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked according to package instructions until al dente and drained, not cooled
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ cup panko breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, salt, and pepper and whisk until smooth and bubbling, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly, until smooth. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, 4-5 minutes. Add the cheddar cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • Fold in the cooked pasta until evenly coated.
  • Pour the mac and cheese into a 9-inch square pan.
  • Make the bread crumb topping: In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, salt, garlic powder, and paprika with a fork until combined. Add the panko bread crumbs and stir until evenly coated in the butter mixture.
  • Sprinkle the bread crumb topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
  • Bake the mac and cheese for 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is browned (if the top isn't browning, broil on high for 2-3 minutes).
  • Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 679 calories, Carbohydrate 70 grams, Fat 36 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 22 grams, Sugar 6 grams

CREAMY BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

This recipe, inspired by Stouffer's macaroni and cheese, delivers the best of all worlds: creamy, saucy comfort, with a consistency that's slightly more set than a stovetop version, thanks to a final bake in the oven. It stays voluptuous and molten as a result of a higher ratio of sauce to noodles, which are cooked completely so they don't soak up as much liquid. The Velveeta is necessary here, as it has sodium citrate, which prevents the sauce from separating in the oven. Elbow macaroni works fine, but cavatappi is an especially fun shape to eat with its telephone-cord bounciness.

Provided by Eric Kim

Time 1h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Salt
1 pound cavatappi or elbow macaroni
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
6 cups whole milk
1 pound sharp or extra-sharp yellow Cheddar, coarsely grated (5 1/4 cups)
8 ounces Velveeta, torn into pieces
4 ounces Pecorino Romano, coarsely grated (1 cup)
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Pinch of ground cayenne
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season generously with salt. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until just past al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Return the empty pot to the stove (no need to clean it) and set over medium heat. Melt the butter and simmer, whisking occasionally, until the butter stops spurting and quiets down, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the flour and cook, whisking, until smooth like gravy, about 1 minute.
  • Whisk in the milk. Raise the heat to high and bring to a simmer, whisking constantly, then immediately reduce the heat to low and continue simmering until the sauce lightly coats the back of a spoon, 2 to 5 minutes. At this stage, the sauce should be smooth but relatively loose. Take the pot off the heat.
  • To the pot, add the Cheddar, Velveeta, Pecorino Romano, mustard powder, onion powder and cayenne, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Whisk until the cheese is melted and smooth like nacho cheese. Add the drained pasta, breaking up any clumps, and stir until evenly coated in the cheese sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer to a 9-by-13-inch baking pan or dish and bake until bubbling at the edges, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve immediately.

Tips:

1. Use the right cheese. A good mac and cheese starts with a blend of flavorful cheeses. Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can also use Parmesan, Gruyère, or Fontina. For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheeses. 2. Cook the pasta al dente. This means cooking the pasta until it's tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won't hold the cheese sauce well. 3. Make a roux. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that helps to thicken the cheese sauce. It's important to cook the roux until it's smooth and bubbly, but not browned. 4. Use milk or cream. You can use either milk or cream to make the cheese sauce. Milk will produce a lighter sauce, while cream will produce a richer, more decadent sauce. 5. Season the sauce. Be sure to season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other spices, such as cayenne pepper or paprika, to taste. 6. Stir in the cheese. Once the cheese sauce is hot and bubbly, remove it from the heat and stir in the grated cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and smooth. 7. Serve immediately. Mac and cheese is best served hot and fresh. You can garnish it with chopped parsley, chives, or bacon bits.

Conclusion:

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of different cheeses and ingredients. Whether you like your mac and cheese simple or loaded with toppings, there's a recipe out there for you. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give mac and cheese a try. You won't be disappointed!

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