Best 6 Macaroni And Cheddar Cheese Recipes

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Macaroni and cheddar cheese, a classic comfort food, is a beloved dish that has delighted generations. This versatile dish can be made in a variety of ways, from simple to elaborate, and can be customized to suit individual tastes. Whether you prefer a smooth, creamy version or a gooey, bubbly one, there's a macaroni and cheddar cheese recipe out there that's perfect for you. In this article, we'll explore some of the best and most popular macaroni and cheddar cheese recipes, so you can find the one that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

MACARONI AND CHEDDAR CHEESE



Macaroni and Cheddar Cheese image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 entree servings, 8 side servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil, 1 turn of the pan in a slow stream
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups whole or 2 percent milk
3 cups shredded white Cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground or freshly grated
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, a couple pinches
Salt
1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked 8 minutes or to al dente, with a little bite to it

Steps:

  • Heat a medium, deep skillet over medium heat. Add oil and butter. When butter melts into the oil, add flour and combine. Gently cook, whisking flour and butter together, until smooth and flour has had a chance to cook, about 3 minutes. Slowly add milk while continuing to whisk. Gently bring milk to a bubble while stirring frequently. Allow the milk to thicken a bit, then stir in 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese a handful at a time. Season sauce with nutmeg and cayenne. Taste and add a little salt, if you like. Add cooked pasta to sauce and coat completely by turning over and over in the cheese sauce. Transfer to a flameproof baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Place baking dish under a hot broiler and brown the Cheddar cheese on top.

BACON MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH BÉCHAMEL SAUCE AND CHEDDAR FRENCH FRIED ONION CRUST RECIPE



BACON MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH BÉCHAMEL SAUCE AND CHEDDAR FRENCH FRIED ONION CRUST RECIPE image

Categories     Cheese     Pasta     Bake     Dinner     Lunch     Winter

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 teaspoon salt
1 lb. elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons TWISTED Bacon, Dijon Mustard & Green Onion Butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
16 oz. sharp cheddar, shredded
16 oz. Velveeta, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
6 oz (1 can) French's Cheddar French Fried Onions, crushed
9 strips of bacon
Béchamel Sauce Ingredients
3 tablespoons TWISTED Bacon, Dijon Mustard & Green Onion Butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups milk, heated
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco Sauce
5 oz parmesan cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter or spray a 3-quart glass or ceramic baking dish with non-stick spray. To make the Béchamel Sauce, melt the TWISTED Bacon, Dijon Mustard & Green Onion Butter in a medium saucepan and stir in the flour. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly for 3 minutes. Slowly add the heated milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 4 minutes. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Remove from heat and add salt, pepper, parmesan and Tabasco. Stir until the cheese in melted. Cover and set aside. Cook the bacon until just crispy and set aside to cool. Boil a large pot of water; add 1 tsp salt and the macaroni. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until the macaroni is very al dente. Drain the noodles and return to the pot. Immediately add the butter, garlic and Béchamel Sauce. Toss well. Place 1/3 of the macaroni in the baking dish. Evenly top with 1/3 of the shredded cheddar, 1/3 of the Velveeta and 3 slices of bacon broken into small pieces. Repeat until all noodles, bacon and cheese are in the pan. Top with the crushed French fried onions. Bake for 35 - 45 minutes or until the top is beginning to brown. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving

MACARONI AND CHEDDAR CHEESE BEEF BAKE



Macaroni and Cheddar Cheese Beef Bake image

This is really simple, and made from ingredients that most already have in hand. Tastes good too! Great to make when you are out of everything else!

Provided by longhornmel

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (7 1/4 ounce) package macaroni and cheese mix
3 tablespoons butter (for Mac and Cheese)
3 tablespoons milk (for Mac and Cheese)
1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons onions
1 (10 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk (in addition to milk for mac and cheese)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Prepare mac and cheese according to directions on box.
  • Brown beef and onion with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Mix Macaroni and Cheese with Beef and add milk and cream of mushroom soup in buttered casserole dish.
  • Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.

IRON MIKE'S WHITE SHARP CHEDDAR N' HAM MACARONI AND CHEESE



Iron Mike's White Sharp Cheddar N' Ham Macaroni and Cheese image

I ate the most incredible macaroni and cheese with ham that my wife brought home from some fancy restaurant in town known for their Mac n Cheese. (It was packaged in aluminum foil which was formed to look like a swan - I don't even WANT to know how much she paid for this dish!) ANYway - Since Kraft doesn't make this in a box, I thought I'd try out my hand (and whisk) at making it from scratch. Below is the result of many trials (and a few errors...) on my journey to Mac 'n Cheese perfection. I hope you enjoy this as much as my family. There are some recommendations at the bottom regarding different substitutions... I'd appreciate any feedback!

Provided by Mr-Mom

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup cooked cubed ham
1 1/2 tablespoons butter or 1 1/2 tablespoons margarine
1 1/2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
8 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese (grated)
pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Begin the cooking process of the macaroni- according to package directions; Add cubed ham (to warm) during the final minute or so of cooking the macaroni; Drain and set aside.
  • While water is heating and macaroni is cooking, make your White Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat; add Flour and Salt, and cook about 1 minute, stirring constantly with a wire whisk until mixture is smooth and bubbly.
  • Stir the Milk into the mixture and bring to a boil.
  • Stirring constantly, boil mixture for 1 minute.
  • Lower heat and cook until thickened, stirring regularly about 4-6 minutes.
  • (Don't forget to add the ham to the macaroni as it is cooking!).
  • Remove White Sauce from heat; Add cheese; stir until melted; Pepper to taste.
  • Combine cheese sauce with the macaroni and ham in a bowl (or the macaroni pot); stir well.
  • Serve with a yummy green vegetable on the side like green beans or asparagus.
  • Enjoy!
  • CHEF'S NOTES: You may use Medium/Mild Cheddar or maybe even PepperJack with this recipe as well; I would add a little"kick" with the milder cheeses by adding a clove of minced garlic, or by using salami pieces instead of ham- Yum!

FLEMING'S STEAKHOUSE CHIPOTLE CHEDDAR MACARONI AND CHEESE RECIPE - (4.1/5)



Fleming's Steakhouse Chipotle Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Recipe - (4.1/5) image

Provided by á-40997

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 pound pasta, cavatappi or curly
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3/4 cup onion, 1/2-inch dice
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream
3 cups half-and-half
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon white pepper (ground)
1/2 pound smoked cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 poune cheddar cheese, grated
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon dried chipotle powder (chipotle chili powder)
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large pot, bring 1 gallon of water to boil. Add 2 teaspoons salt and pasta and cook for 8 - 9 minutes Drain pasta and cool under cold running water. Pasta should be slightly firm. Toss drained pasta in oil and reserve. Melt butter in a large sauce pot over medium heat. Add onions and saute for 4 - 5 minute. Add flour and cook 1 - 2 minute but do not brown. Add cream, half and half, kosher salt and white pepper. Bring pot to a simmer. Cook until sauce is thick, about 5 - 6 minute Blend cheese into sauce and add cooked pasta. Pour pasta and sauce into a 9 x 12" baking dish. Reserve. In a saute pan over medium-high heat, add oil and chipotle chili powder. Heat for 30 seconds, until pan starts to smoke. Remove from stove and stir in bread crumbs. Sprinkle bread crumbs over the pasta and bake for 15 - 20 minute until golden. Cool slightly before serving.

MULTI-COOKER CHEDDAR GRUYERE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Multi-Cooker Cheddar Gruyere Macaroni and Cheese image

You can't beat this rich and creamy Ninja Foodi mac and cheese. This multi-cooker recipe is a new twist on the original. -Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 20m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 cups water
2 teaspoons canola oil
16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
2-1/2 teaspoons ground mustard
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2-3/4 cups half-and-half
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed and divided
1-1/4 pounds cheddar cheese, shredded (5 cups)
3/4 pound Gruyere or Emmenthaler cheese, shredded (3 cups)
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 25 crackers)
Chopped fresh chives

Steps:

  • Add macaroni, water and oil to inner pot of large multi-cooker; stir. Lock pressure lid. Press pressure function; select custom. Press timer; set to 3 minutes. Start. , Let pressure release naturally for 2 minutes; quick-release any remaining pressure. Whisk ground mustard, onion powder, white pepper and nutmeg into half-and-half. Pour over macaroni. Stir in 4 tablespoons butter and cheeses until thoroughly combined and melted. Melt remaining 4 tablespoons butter; stir in cracker crumbs. Sprinkle over macaroni. , Cover with air frying lid. Press air fry function; set to custom. Press timer; set to 7 minutes. Start. Cook until crumbs are golden brown. Just before serving, sprinkle with chives..

Nutrition Facts : Calories 635 calories, Fat 42g fat (23g saturated fat), Cholesterol 126mg cholesterol, Sodium 604mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 27g protein.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality cheddar cheese: The type of cheddar cheese you use will make a big difference in the final flavor of your macaroni and cheese. Look for a sharp cheddar cheese that is well-aged. You can also use a combination of cheddar cheeses, such as sharp cheddar and mild cheddar, to create a more complex flavor.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente: Macaroni that is cooked al dente will have a slightly firm bite to it. This will help prevent the macaroni from becoming mushy when it is mixed with the cheese sauce.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the cheese sauce. A roux will help to prevent the cheese sauce from becoming too thin or runny.
  • Use milk or cream: Milk or cream will help to make the cheese sauce smooth and creamy. You can use whole milk, skim milk, or even heavy cream, depending on how rich you want the cheese sauce to be.
  • Season the cheese sauce to taste: Be sure to season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. You can also add in other ingredients, such as cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, or chopped green onions.
  • Serve immediately: Macaroni and cheese is best served immediately after it is made. This will help to prevent the cheese sauce from becoming too thick or congealed.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It is a simple dish to make, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you make the best macaroni and cheese possible. By following the tips in this article, you can create a delicious and creamy macaroni and cheese that your family and friends will love.

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