Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a simple dish to make, but there are many different ways to prepare it. Whether you prefer a creamy, cheesy sauce or a crunchy, baked topping, there is a macaroni and cheese recipe out there for you. In this article, we will explore some of the best macaroni and cheese recipes, from classic stovetop versions to baked dishes with a variety of toppings. We will also provide tips on how to make the perfect macaroni and cheese, so you can enjoy this delicious dish at home. So, get ready to indulge in a cheesy, gooey, and satisfying meal with our collection of the best macaroni and cheese recipes.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
SIMPLE MACARONI AND CHEESE
A very quick and easy fix to a tasty side-dish. Fancy, designer mac and cheese often costs forty or fifty dollars to prepare when you have so many exotic and expensive cheeses, but they aren't always the best tasting. This recipe is cheap and tasty.
Provided by g0dluvsugly
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- 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 butter in a saucepan over medium heat; stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth, about 5 minutes. Slowly pour milk into butter-flour mixture while continuously stirring until mixture is smooth and bubbling, about 5 minutes. Add Cheddar cheese to milk mixture and stir until cheese is melted, 2 to 4 minutes.
- Fold macaroni into cheese sauce until coated.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 630.2 calories, Carbohydrate 55 g, Cholesterol 99.6 mg, Fat 33.6 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 26.5 g, SaturatedFat 20.9 g, Sodium 777 mg, Sugar 7.6 g
CHEF JOHN'S MACARONI AND CHEESE
This easy-to-make old-school macaroni and cheese has a perfectly crispy crust.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through but still slightly firm, about 8 minutes. Drain well.
- Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. When the butter starts to foam and bubble, stir in the flour; cook on medium heat until flour just begins to turn pale yellow, 3 to 4 minutes. Add thyme, cayenne pepper, and white pepper; cook and stir another minute, then whisk in 1 cup of milk until smooth. Pour in remaining milk and whisk again. Bring the sauce just to a simmer.
- Stir in nutmeg, Worcestershire sauce, and salt; simmer on medium-low heat until thickened, about 8 minutes, whisking often. Turn heat off, then add 2 1/4 cups of Cheddar cheese; stir until melted and combined. Add Dijon mustard.
- Transfer the macaroni into a casserole dish, then pour in the cheese sauce; stir to thoroughly combine sauce with pasta. Mix panko bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon melted butter in a small bowl, and sprinkle crumbs on top of macaroni and cheese. Sprinkle remaining 3/4 cup of Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until bread crumbs and Cheddar cheese topping are golden brown, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 694.8 calories, Carbohydrate 72.8 g, Cholesterol 94.5 mg, Fat 32.3 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 29.4 g, SaturatedFat 19.9 g, Sodium 928.4 mg, Sugar 8.1 g
ULTIMATE MACARONI AND CHEESE
This is America's favorite comfort food--tender macaroni, rich and cheesy sauce and a crisp crumb topping.
Provided by McCormick Spice
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips McCormick®
Time 1h
Yield 15
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cook macaroni in large saucepan as directed on package for al dente pasta. Rinse under cold water; drain well.
- Melt butter in same saucepan on medium heat. Sprinkle with flour and seasonings. Cook and stir 2 minutes or until well blended. Gradually stir in milk until smooth. Stirring constantly, cook 3 minutes or until sauce starts to thicken. Stir in cheese until melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Add macaroni; toss gently to coat. Pour into greased 13x9-inch baking dish. Mix panko and paprika; sprinkle evenly over top.
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 413.1 calories, Carbohydrate 36.4 g, Cholesterol 64.9 mg, Fat 22.2 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 19.2 g, SaturatedFat 13.5 g, Sodium 550 mg, Sugar 4.1 g
JOAN'S MACARONI AND CHEESE
Provided by Food Network
Time 55m
Yield 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cook pasta in large pot of boiling, salted water until just tender. Drain well. Add butter, milk, ricotta, cream cheese, Monterey jack, and 12 ounces of the Gouda to the warm pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Gently mix everything together, leaving some chunks of cheese visible. Pour the mixture into 9 by 11-inch baking pan. Top with the remaining 8 ounces of gouda. Bake until beautifully golden, 30 to 40 minutes. Serve hot or room temperature.
JUST MACARONI AND CHEESE
Make and share this Just Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Food.com.
Provided by L DJ3309
Categories Cheese
Time 45m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In 2 quart sauce pan melt butter add flour cook stirring til starts to look like cornmeal.
- Add hot half& half, add seasonings, stirring quickly with whisk.
- Add cheese stirring til cheese melts.
- Mix with macaroni in 2qt. casserole.
- Toss bread crumbs with melted butter, sprinkle over top.
- Bake 350F for 30 minutes.
OLD-FASHIONED MACARONI AND CHEESE
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
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 :
CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE
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
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.
Tips:
- Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente.
- Use a roux (a mixture of melted butter and flour) to thicken the cheese sauce. This will prevent it from being too runny.
- Season the cheese sauce to taste with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Use a variety of cheeses in the cheese sauce for a more complex flavor.
- Top the macaroni and cheese with breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese before baking for a golden crust.
- Experiment with different toppings, such as crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, or chopped broccoli.
Conclusion:
With so many variations to choose from, there's sure to be a macaroni and cheese recipe that everyone will enjoy. Whether you like your mac and cheese simple or loaded with toppings, baked or stovetop, this classic dish is sure to satisfy. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give one of these macaroni and cheese recipes a try.
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