When it comes to quick and comforting meals, macaroni and cheese stands out as a classic dish. This versatile dish has numerous variations, making it a crowd-pleaser. With its creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and tender macaroni, macaroni and cheese offers a delectable experience that satisfies taste buds of all ages. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the art of creating the ultimate macaroni and cheese, providing tips and tricks to ensure a dish that's creamy, cheesy, and simply irresistible. So gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
DELICIOUS AND EASY MACARONI AND CHEESE
The only mac and cheese recipe you'll ever need- no funny ingredients, minimal effort and grand on taste!
Provided by atlantamom
Categories Cheese
Time 30m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Boil the macaroni for 4 minutes or until half-cooked (salt the water!)
- In a medium saucepan heat the half-and-half with cayenne, salt and pepper. Add macaroni and 1 1/2 cups of the cheese and cook on medium heat until the cheese melts. Pour into a buttered casserole and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake in a preheated 350F oven for 15 minutes until the cheese melts.
EASY GLUTEN-FREE MACARONI AND CHEESE
Cheesy gluten-free deliciousness that is super easy to make. Kid-approved!
Provided by Rick Kleinhans (kokodiablo)
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.
- Melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir salt and mustard powder into melted butter and remove saucepan from heat.
- Whisk milk and cornstarch together in a bowl until smooth; stir into butter mixture until well blended. Return saucepan to stove; cook milk mixture, stirring constantly, over medium heat until sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat.
- Stir 3 cups Cheddar cheese into sauce until heat from sauce melts cheese. Add pasta to cheese sauce and stir well; pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Combine remaining 1 cup Cheddar cheese, gluten-free bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon butter, and paprika in a bowl; sprinkle over pasta mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven until top is crunchy, about 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 521.3 calories, Carbohydrate 42.6 g, Cholesterol 85.7 mg, Fat 29.8 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 21 g, SaturatedFat 17.5 g, Sodium 809.1 mg, Sugar 6.2 g
EASY MACARONI AND CHEESE
A wonderful and easy Macaroni and cheese recipe. Have dinner ready for the hungry kids quickly. Serve alone or as a side dish.
Provided by Chelsea_
Categories Cheese
Time 25m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over a medium heat.
- Stir in flour and salt.
- Add milk and macaroni to saucepan, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, and cover.
- Simmer for 15 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add cheese, and stir until cheese melts.
- Serve.
FAST & EASY KIDS MACARONI AND CHEESE
Make and share this Fast & Easy Kids Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Food.com.
Provided by MeAndMyBoys
Categories Cheese
Time 17m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- 1. Heat pot of lightly salted water to boiling. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain.
- 2. Add milk to pasta pot and heat over medium heat. Sprinkle in American and Cheddar cheeses and the salt and whisk until melted and smooth.
- 3. Return macaroni to pot with cheese sauce and stir to combine. Serve warm.
EASY MACARONI AND CHEESE BITES APPETIZER
Yum! These mac and cheese bites are cheesy, crispy, and delicious. The mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses makes these bites nice and cheesy. We recommend adding the Dijon mustard, it gives a slight tang to the bites. Smoky bacon is the perfect topping. By coating the tins with bread crumbs, they really do come out easy but...
Provided by sylvia bourque
Categories Cheese Appetizers
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease mini muffin tin generously with butter or non-stick spray.
- 2. Coat insides of mini-muffin tin with bread crumbs (to help the bites hold their shape).
- 3. Bring large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and add macaroni. Cook 4-5 minutes, just until softened but not cooked through. Remove from heat, drain and return to pot.
- 4. Stir in butter and egg until pasta is evenly coated.
- 5. Mix in bacon, mustard, milk, salt, and cheeses (reserving 1 cup Jack cheese).
- 6. Then spoon into muffin tin, press filling gently with fingers (to help the bites hold their shape). Top with reserved cheese.
- 7. Bake 15-20 minutes or until top is golden brown.
- 8. Allow muffins to cool slightly before removing from pan. Garnish with parsley and enjoy.
"SOUPER" EASY MACARONI AND CHEESE
A treasured find in Southern Living Magazine. Easy and Cheesy, that's the way we like it. You can substitute Cream of Mushroom soup for the Nacho Cheese soup if desired.
Provided by Dawn399
Categories Cheese
Time 45m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Stir together first 5 ingredients until blended.
- Stir in macaroni.
- Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 11x7 baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F.
- for 25 minutes.
- Top with French fried onions and bake 5 more minutes.
EASY NO-BOIL MACARONI AND CHEESE
This macaroni and cheese is simple and easy with an homemade taste your whole family will love. I use sharp and extra sharp Cheddar cheese in mine since that is what my family likes.
Provided by Kristin
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 1h5m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a deep 2 quart casserole dish.
- Mix macaroni, cheese, and cottage cheese in a large bowl. Pour water into the dish just to cover noodles and cheese. Dot with butter. Sprinkle bread crumbs evenly over top.
- Bake until macaroni is tender, and cheese is melted, about 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 474.2 calories, Carbohydrate 31.2 g, Cholesterol 81.2 mg, Fat 27.6 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 24.7 g, SaturatedFat 17.1 g, Sodium 668.1 mg, Sugar 2 g
EASY CHEESY MACARONI AND CHEESE
From my friend, Ann
Provided by Jane Asher
Categories Side Casseroles
Time 1h
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- 1. Preheat oven to 350
- 2. Cook macaroni as directed on box
- 3. Mix soup and milk in medium saucepan, heat
- 4. When soup mixture begins to bubble, add grated cheese, continue to heat until melted
- 5. Mix cheese and macaroni, place in greased casserole
- 6. Melt butter, then add panko bread crumbs, about a cup, stir until bread crumbs begin to brown, then top macaroni with bread crumbs
- 7. Bake at 350 until bubbly, about 30 minutes
EASY MACARONI AND SOY CHEESE
A delicious alternative to regular mac 'n cheese! This recipe can be dairy-free if you use soy margarine, and it tastes just as good as the original!
Provided by Kree6528
Categories Kid Friendly
Time 20m
Yield 3-4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cook macaroni in boiling water, according to package directions.
- While the pasta is boiling, melt margarine in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour until bubbly.
- Slowly add 1 cup soy milk.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly (a whisk works well).
- If the sauce does not thicken, add another Tbsp of flour.
- If using cheese that is not already shredded, grate cheese.
- Add slowly, stirring until the sauce thickens and you get the consistency you desire.
- I recommend using the full 8 oz of cheese!
- Add more soy milk if mixture gets too thick while stirring in the cheese.
- Add salt, if desired.
- Drain cooked pasta and mix in cheese sauce.
- Enjoy!
- Note: Many types of soy cheese, including Veggie Shreds, contain casein, a milk protein; if you want this to be completely dairy-free you'll need to use a vegan brand.
EASY HOMEMADE TASTIN' MACARONI AND CHEESE
Make and share this Easy Homemade Tastin' Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Lilladyc
Categories Cheese
Time 1h15m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Prepare macaroni according to package.
- Drain.
- No need to rinse.
- Pour in large mixing bowl.
- Add sauce packet, sour cream, milk, and 2 cups of the cheese.
- Pour in casserole dish.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake at 375F for about an hour or until nicely browned.
EASY READY-MADE MACARONI AND CHEESE
An easy make-ahead recipe that is quicker to serve than Kraft. Tasty and without all the salt of the boxed dinner.
Provided by Aroostook
Categories Cheese
Time 18m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Divide and place cooked pasta in four 1-quart ziplock bags.
- To each bag add: 1/8 c flour, ¼ c Parmesan/Romano grated cheese, ¼ tsp dry mustard, ½ c shredded cheddar cheese.
- Store in fridge for up to a week.
- To cook each serving: Melt 1 tbls margarine/butter in a small sauce pan.
- Add one bag of macaroni/cheese mixture.
- Stir well.
- Add S& P to taste.
- Slowly add ½ c+ of milk and stir until heated through and sauce is made.
- (Add more milk if you like).
SUPER EASY AND FAST MACARONI AND CHEESE
This can be made plain, with ham stirred into it, or with a can of Rotel (Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies) added when you add the Cheese Whiz. Another variation is to add crisp homemade bacon bits and peas.
Provided by Andtototoo
Categories Cheese
Time 1h10m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until tender.
- Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Put the pasta into a large mixing bowl.
- Melt the Cheese Whiz in the microwave, stirring every 15 seconds until the Cheese Whiz is hot, and then stir the Cheese Whiz into the pasta.
- Add the grated cheese and stir until well blended.
- Put the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake at 350F for 40-45 minutes until hot.
- If you want this super fast, put the mixture into a large glass bowl and microwave it, stirring every 30 seconds until the cheese has melted and macaroni is very hot.
- Sometimes I also use a blend of different grated cheeses.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 691, Fat 34.1, SaturatedFat 21.1, Cholesterol 107.7, Sodium 1092.5, Carbohydrate 61.2, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 4.3, Protein 33.3
EASY BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
I first had this at a friend's house for dinner and loved it. I asked her for the recipe and could not believe it when she said it had mayonnaise in it! She said her Great Aunt made it this way all her life. I never would have posted this recipe because I don't really care for mayonnaise but in this dish it reigns supreme! You've got to try it! I usually use penne pasta and I love adding cayenne, to taste, to the mayo before mixing it in with the pasta.
Provided by Penny Stettinius
Categories Penne
Time 50m
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Butter or spray a casserole dish.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Toss the pasta with the mayonnaise, milk, mustard and cheese.
- Season with the salt and pepper.
- Pour into the casserole dish and top evenly with the breadcrumbs.
- *If you like a real crunchy top, use more breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown on top and bubbling hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 336.9, Fat 25.8, SaturatedFat 11.5, Cholesterol 58.6, Sodium 574.5, Carbohydrate 13.9, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 2.4, Protein 13
EASY HOMEMADE MACARONI AND CHEESE
The VERY BEST mac 'n cheese recipe I have found. Cheesy and creamy, I like to use the extra sharp cheddar cheese. I have also used this recipe as the base for mac n' cheese casseroles with added meats and veggies for potlucks.
Provided by Tina D. Breen
Categories Cheese
Time 30m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- PREHEAT oven to 350°F.
- Mix milk and eggs in large bowl.
- Add butter, red pepper, prepared cheese product and cheddar cheese.
- Stir in macaroni; mix lightly.
- POUR into 1-1/2-quart casserole.
- BAKE 15 minutes or until heated through.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs on top.
- Bake for 5 more minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 427, Fat 22.5, SaturatedFat 13.5, Cholesterol 137.2, Sodium 786.9, Carbohydrate 35.8, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 4.2, Protein 19.7
EASY CREAMY VEGAN MACARONI AND CHEESE
Although this does not taste like the the traditional mac 'n cheese recipes most of us grew up with, it will satisfy your comfort food craving while helping you avoid preservatives, dyes, meat, and dairy. Stir in your favorite veggies and/or meatless filler and you've got yourself a satisfying meal. This recipe is very versatile; tweak ingredients to your liking!
Provided by Mesa Mom
Categories 100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes Vegan Side Dishes
Time 43m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch baking dish.
- 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 and transfer to a large bowl; toss with 1 tablespoon rice bran oil.
- Combine remaining rice bran oil, soy milk, nutritional yeast, garlic, mustard, and paprika in a high-powered food processor or blender; blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour soy milk mixture over elbow macaroni in the bowl; toss to mix. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven until center is bubbling, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 349.3 calories, Carbohydrate 30.4 g, Fat 20.2 g, Fiber 5.4 g, Protein 13.8 g, SaturatedFat 3.3 g, Sodium 52.6 mg, Sugar 3.2 g
Tips:
- Use a good quality cheese. The cheese is the star of the dish, so it's important to use a cheese that you love. A sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but you can also use other cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or even a combination of cheeses.
- Cook the macaroni al dente. You don't want the macaroni to be too soft or mushy, so cook it al dente, which means "to the tooth." This means that the macaroni should still have a slight bite to it.
- Make a roux. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the cheese sauce. It's important to cook the roux over low heat until it is smooth and bubbly.
- Add the milk and cheese slowly. When you add the milk and cheese to the roux, do it slowly and whisk constantly. This will help to prevent the sauce from curdling.
- Season to taste. Once the cheese sauce is made, taste it and add salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
- Serve immediately. Macaroni and cheese is best served immediately after it is made. The cheese sauce will start to thicken as it cools, so it's best to eat it while it's still hot and gooey.
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. Whether you like it simple or loaded with toppings, macaroni and cheese is a dish that everyone can enjoy.
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