Best 2 Mac N Cheese Dinner Recipes

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, there is a mac and cheese recipe out there to suit your needs.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MAC 'N' CHEESE DINNER

Mac 'n' Cheese Dinner image

Don't settle for ordinary mac and cheese. This version is my kids' favorite, so I always make a huge pot. It's an easy recipe to cut down or double (or triple!). It can also be made into a low-fat recipe if you use nonfat milk, reduced-fat cheeses and lean ham. -Raymond James, Port Orchard, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
4 medium carrots, thinly sliced
1 package (10 ounces) frozen peas
1 cup cubed fully cooked ham
2/3 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

Cook macaroni in boiling water for 3 minutes. Add carrots and peas; return to a boil. Cook until macaroni is tender, 5-6 minutes longer. Drain; add ham. , In a 1-qt. microwave-safe dish, combine the milk and cream cheese. Cover and microwave at 50% power for 3 minutes; stir. Cook until cream cheese is melted, 2-3 minutes longer. Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, salt and pepper. Pour over pasta and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 284 calories, Fat 10g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 40mg cholesterol, Sodium 609mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 18g protein.

ULTIMATE MAC 'N' CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY

Ultimate Mac 'n' Cheese Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: bacon, garlic, panko breadcrumbs, fresh chives, fresh parsley, butter, flour, evaporated milk, salt, pepper, dry mustard powder, cayenne pepper, macaroni, cheddar cheese, gruyère cheese, colby jack cheese, smoked gouda cheese, provolone cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded cheddar cheese

Provided by Pierce Abernathy

Categories Dinner

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

½ lb bacon, sliced
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
½ cup fresh chives, chopped
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
4 tablespoons butter
¼ cup flour
3 cups evaporated milk
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons dry mustard powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 lb macaroni, cooked
½ cup cheddar cheese, cubed
½ cup gruyère cheese, shredded
½ cup colby jack cheese, cubed
½ cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded
½ cup provolone cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350˚F (180˚C).
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon crispy and the fat has rendered.
Add the garlic, bread crumbs, chives, and parsley. Stir and cook until the bread crumbs are toasted, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pot.
In the same pot on medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour and stir until combined.
Add the evaporated milk and bring to a simmer. Season with salt, pepper, mustard powder, and cayenne. Whisk to incorporate and smooth any lumps. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of the spoon.
Add the pasta to the sauce and stir to combine.
Add the cheddar, Gruyère, Colby Jack, Gouda, and provolone cheese, then fold the cheeses into the pasta. If it seems too dry, add more milk to your liking.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the shredded mozzarella and cheddar.
Bake for 45 minutes, or until the mac 'n' cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown on top.
Serve with a sprinkle of the bread crumb mixture for added flavor!
Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 656 calories, Carbohydrate 63 grams, Fat 33 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 34 grams, Sugar 11 grams

Tips:

Use a variety of cheeses: Don't just stick to one type of cheese. Try using a combination of different cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, and mozzarella, to create a more complex and flavorful mac and cheese.
Cook the macaroni al dente: Don't overcook the macaroni, or it will become mushy. Cook it al dente, so that it still has 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 helps to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
Use whole milk or cream: Whole milk or cream will give the cheese sauce a richer and more decadent flavor. You can also use a combination of milk and cream.
Season the cheese sauce: Don't forget to season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and other spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Add mix-ins: Feel free to add mix-ins to your mac and cheese, such as cooked bacon, diced ham, chopped vegetables, or even lobster.
Top with breadcrumbs: A topping of breadcrumbs adds a nice crunch to mac and cheese. You can use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs.
Bake until golden brown: Bake the mac and cheese until it is golden brown on top. This will help to create a crispy crust.

Conclusion:

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With so many different variations, there is sure to be a mac and cheese recipe that everyone will love. Whether you like your mac and cheese simple or loaded with toppings, there is a recipe out there for you. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give one of these mac and cheese recipes a try.