Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a simple dish to make, and there are many different variations on the basic recipe. Whether you prefer a creamy, cheesy sauce or a crispy, crunchy topping, there is a macaroni and cheese recipe out there to suit your taste. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide to making a delicious macaroni and cheese in just 4 easy steps. We will also provide some tips and tricks for making the perfect macaroni and cheese. So grab your ingredients and let's get started!
Here are our top 17 tried and tested recipes!
MACARONI CHEESE IN 4 EASY STEPS
A simple step-by-step guide to making a classic supper dish. An old favourite, made with plenty of cheese and a little mustard
Provided by Good Food team
Categories Dinner, Main course, Supper
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Prepare the pasta: In a small pan, warm the milk, onion, garlic and bay leaf until almost boiling. Remove from the heat, leave covered to infuse for 10 mins, then strain. Cook the macaroni according to pack instructions until just soft, but still with a little bite (this is called al dente in Italian). This will take about 10 mins. Drain in a colander, then run under the tap and stir to stop the pasta sticking together.
- Make a roux: (A roux is simply flour and fat, cooked together, then used to thicken sauces.) Heat oven to 190C/ fan 170C/gas 5 and butter a 25 x 18cm ovenproof dish. Melt the butter in the medium pan. When foaming, add the flour, then cook, stirring constantly, for 1 min on a low heat.
- Finish the sauce: Slowly stir the warm infused milk into the roux until smooth. Simmer for 3-4 mins, stirring often, until the sauce has thickened and has a coating consistency (run your finger through the sauce on a spoon - it should leave a trail). Remove the pan from the heat, then add the cheddar and mustard powder. Season, then stir until the cheese has melted.
- Assemble and bake: Mix the cheesesauce through the macaroni to coat it well, then tip into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the Parmesan and breadcrumbs over the top, then bake for 15-20 mins until golden brown and bubbling. Serve piping hot on its own or with a green salad.
- EQUIPMENT: 1 small saucepan with lid, 1 large saucepan, 1 medium saucepan, colander, chopping board, sharp knife, grater, wooden spoon, ovenproof dish
Nutrition Facts : Calories 860 calories, Fat 40 grams fat, SaturatedFat 24 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 97 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 13 grams sugar, Fiber 4 grams fiber, Protein 36 grams protein, Sodium 1.72 milligram of sodium
MACARONI WITH 4 CHEESES!
In this episode, chef Emeril does what he does best: comfort food kicked up yet another notch! Chef Emeril revisits a couple of classic comfort food dishes, Emeril-style!
Provided by Emeril Lagasse
Categories main-dish
Time 1h15m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a heavy, medium saucepan melt 4 tablespoons of the butter over low heat. Add the flour and stir to combine. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and whisk in the half and half little by little. Cook until thickened, about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat, season with the salt, pepper, hot sauce and 4 ounces of the grated parmesan. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Cover and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add salt to taste and, while stirring, add the macaroni. Return to a boil, reduce the heat to a low boil and cook for about 5 minutes, or until macaroni is very al dente (slightly undercooked). Drain in a colander and return the macaroni to the pot. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter and the garlic and stir to combine. Add the bechamel sauce and stir until well combined. Set aside.
- Using the remaining tablespoon of butter, grease a 3-quart baking dish or casserole and set aside.
- In a large bowl combine 4 ounces of the remaining parmesan cheese, cheddar, fontina and gruyere cheeses. Toss to combine.
- Place one-third of the macaroni in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with one-third of the mixed cheeses. Top with another third of the macaroni and another third of the cheese mixture. Repeat with the remaining macaroni and cheese mixture. In a small bowl combine the bread crumbs, remaining 1/2 ounce of grated parmesan, and the Essence and toss to combine. Sprinkle this over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the macaroni and cheese is bubbly and hot and the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving.
4 CHEESE BAKED MACARONI
I was looking for another type of macaroni and cheese dish and came across this one from Emeril Lagasse. I haven't made it yet but plan on trying it out on my crew at Thanksgiving. What's not to like about Cream and Cheese - the epitome of comfort food.
Provided by Luby Luby Luby
Categories Cheese
Time 2h
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a heavy medium saucepan melt 4 tablespoons butter over low heat.
- Add the flour and stir to combine.
- Cook, stirring constantly for 3 minutes.
- Increase the heat to medium and whisk in the half& half a little at a time.
- Cook until thickened, about 4 or 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Remove from heat, season with salt, pepper, hot sauce and 4 ounces of the grated parmesean cheese.
- Stir until the cheese melts and is smooth.
- Cover and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Fill a large pot with water, cover and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Add salt to taste and add the macaroni, stirring.
- Return to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes or until very al dente (slightly undercooked).
- Drain in a colander and return the macaroni to the pot.
- Add 2 tablespoons butter and the garlic and stir to combine.
- Add the white sauce and stir until well mixed then set aside.
- Using the remaining tablespoon of butter, grease a 3 quart casserole or baking dish and set aside.
- In a large bowl combine 4 ounces of the remaining parmesean cheese, cheddar, fontina and gruyere cheeses, tossing to combine.
- Place 1/3 of the macaroni in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Top with 1/3 of the mixed cheeses.
- Top with another 1/3 of the macaroni and another 1/3 of the cheese mixture.
- Repeat with the remaining macaroni and cheese mixture.
- In a small bowl combine the bread crumbs, the remaining 1/2 ounce of grated parmesean cheese and the Essence.
- Sprinkle this over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until the macaroni and cheese is bubbly and hot and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
EASY MACARONI AND CHEESE
Two steps and 20 minutes is all you need to make this cheesy pasta side dish.
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Side Dish
Time 20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
- In 2-quart saucepan, stir remaining ingredients into pasta. Cook over low heat about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted and sauce is desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 435, Carbohydrate 54 g, Cholesterol 50 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 21 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, ServingSize 1 serving, Sodium 590 mg
BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
A friend of mine sent this recipe to me when I got my first apartment, because she knows how much I hate cooking! It's really easy -- even I can make it -- and tastes great. I'm not sure where she found the recipe, but it included the note 'Good source of protein, vitamin A, B group vitamins, calcium.'
Provided by Meredith
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Yield 3
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- In a large pot of salted water, lightly boil the macaroni for about 5 minutes until half-cooked.
- Whisk the egg and milk together in a large cup. Add butter and cheese to the egg and milk. Stir well.
- Place the lightly cooked macaroni in the prepared baking dish. Pour the egg and cheese liquid over the macaroni, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and stir well. Press the mixture evenly around the baking dish.
- Bake uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is brown.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 968.1 calories, Carbohydrate 92.6 g, Cholesterol 194.2 mg, Fat 45.4 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 45.6 g, SaturatedFat 27.6 g, Sodium 736 mg, Sugar 11.2 g
EASIEST HOMESTYLE MACARONI AND CHEESE
My family always expects the 'real deal' homemade macaroni and cheese, and this recipe passed the 'family taste test' with flying colors on Easter. However, this time it was much easier to make, using jarred Alfredo sauce instead of homemade white sauce. Try it. It's easy as pie, and FABULOUS!
Provided by Ginger Hackley
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 1h25m
Yield 20
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 10 1/2x13 1/2-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil; stir 1 teaspoon salt and vegetable oil into boiling water. Gradually stir macaroni into the boiling water and cook, stirring occasionally, until macaroni are tender but still slightly firm, about 10 minutes. Drain well and pour macaroni into prepared baking dish.
- Pour Alfredo sauce into a 3-quart microwave-safe bowl and stir processed cheese into sauce; microwave on 60 percent power for 6 minutes. Stir sauce mixture and microwave for 5 more minutes on 60 percent power. Season with black pepper and paprika. Stir 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese into mixture until cheese has melted and sauce is thick and smooth.
- Pour half the cheese sauce over macaroni and stir to coat; pour in remaining cheese mixture and stir again. Spread remaining shredded sharp Cheddar cheese over macaroni. Top casserole with bread crumbs.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the casserole is bubbling, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Broil casserole under oven's broiler for 3 to 4 minutes if you like a browned top. Let macaroni and cheese stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 479.1 calories, Carbohydrate 41.6 g, Cholesterol 58.9 mg, Fat 26.7 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 18.4 g, SaturatedFat 13.1 g, Sodium 997.1 mg, Sugar 4.7 g
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
3-INGREDIENT MAC & CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY
Nothing says comforting and classic like mac and cheese. Remember when you were a little kid and you sat down at the dinner table? There it was: a glorious pot of mac and cheese. Ooey, gooey, and oh-so-delightful. Well, we're taking you back there with our 3-ingredient mac-hack. That's right: only three ingredients to bliss. It's so good, you'll never go back to the boxed stuff!
Provided by Alvin Zhou
Categories Sides
Time 15m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- In a large pot, bring the milk to a boil.
- Add the pasta and stir constantly until the pasta is cooked, about 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, then add the cheddar. Stir until the cheese is melted and the pasta is evenly coated.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 803 calories, Carbohydrate 100 grams, Fat 27 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 37 grams, Sugar 18 grams
FOUR CHEESE MACARONI CASSEROLE
This casserole is quick and easy but full of flavor. Both children and adults love it!
Provided by MSDELENA
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil over high heat. Add macaroni, and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, and pour hot pasta into a casserole dish.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together tomatoes, italian seasoning, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Stir into the hot pasta 1 cup of Cheddar, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan. Continue to stir until the cheeses have melted. Then stir in tomato and herb mixture. Sprinkle 1/2 cup Cheddar, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and 1/4 cup feta over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 25 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 511.3 calories, Carbohydrate 47 g, Cholesterol 74.6 mg, Fat 22.8 g, Fiber 3.3 g, Protein 29.7 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, Sodium 887.5 mg, Sugar 5.6 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.
MACARONI CHEESE IN 4 EASY STEPS
A simple step-by-step guide to making a classic supper dish. An old favourite, made with plenty of cheese and a little mustard
Provided by Good Food team
Categories Dinner, Main course, Supper
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Prepare the pasta: In a small pan, warm the milk, onion, garlic and bay leaf until almost boiling. Remove from the heat, leave covered to infuse for 10 mins, then strain. Cook the macaroni according to pack instructions until just soft, but still with a little bite (this is called al dente in Italian). This will take about 10 mins. Drain in a colander, then run under the tap and stir to stop the pasta sticking together.
- Make a roux: (A roux is simply flour and fat, cooked together, then used to thicken sauces.) Heat oven to 190C/ fan 170C/gas 5 and butter a 25 x 18cm ovenproof dish. Melt the butter in the medium pan. When foaming, add the flour, then cook, stirring constantly, for 1 min on a low heat.
- Finish the sauce: Slowly stir the warm infused milk into the roux until smooth. Simmer for 3-4 mins, stirring often, until the sauce has thickened and has a coating consistency (run your finger through the sauce on a spoon - it should leave a trail). Remove the pan from the heat, then add the cheddar and mustard powder. Season, then stir until the cheese has melted.
- Assemble and bake: Mix the cheesesauce through the macaroni to coat it well, then tip into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the Parmesan and breadcrumbs over the top, then bake for 15-20 mins until golden brown and bubbling. Serve piping hot on its own or with a green salad.
- EQUIPMENT: 1 small saucepan with lid, 1 large saucepan, 1 medium saucepan, colander, chopping board, sharp knife, grater, wooden spoon, ovenproof dish
Nutrition Facts : Calories 860 calories, Fat 40 grams fat, SaturatedFat 24 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 97 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 13 grams sugar, Fiber 4 grams fiber, Protein 36 grams protein, Sodium 1.72 milligram of sodium
SMOKY FOUR CHEESE MACARONI BAKE
This rich macaroni combines the savory flavors of Swiss, Monterey Jack, sharp Cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses along with sauteed garlic and onion to make a creamy sauce to die for. Add a little liquid smoke for a, well, smoky taste.
Provided by eshel
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 1h40m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the onion, and cook for 3 minutes until it begins to soften. Add the garlic, and continue cooking until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 2 minutes more. Slowly stir in the flour, and cook, stirring constantly for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the half-and-half and milk, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in mustard powder and liquid smoke; simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, along with the cream cheese, Swiss, Monterey Jack, and Cheddar cheeses; stir until melted. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then stir in the drained macaroni noodles. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs over the macaroni
- Bake in preheated oven until bubbly and brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 638.2 calories, Carbohydrate 45.9 g, Cholesterol 111 mg, Fat 37.7 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 28.7 g, SaturatedFat 23.1 g, Sodium 656.7 mg, Sugar 4.7 g
EASIEST MAC-N-CHEESE EVER!
I have tried many more-complicated recipes for macaroni and cheese. Not only is this one often requested for family functions, but it is easy to make! Kids LOVE this recipe. It is so handy for busy moms.
Provided by Anncredible
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 20m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes; drain.
- Place a saucepan over medium-low heat. Combine the cheese food, milk, and pepper in the saucepan; cook until the cheese has melted, stirring frequently. Stir in the drained macaroni until evenly coated.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 136.2 calories, Carbohydrate 15.9 g, Cholesterol 15.7 mg, Fat 5.2 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 6.2 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 241.5 mg, Sugar 2.4 g
FOUR-CHEESE MACARONI
I adapted this recipe from one a friend gave to me. It has a distinctive blue cheese taste and is very filling. I like to serve it with chicken. -Darlene Marturano, W. Suffield, Connecticut
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 20m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. , Reduce heat to low; stir in cheeses until melted. Drain macaroni; add to cheese sauce and stir until coated.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 508 calories, Fat 23g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 65mg cholesterol, Sodium 603mg sodium, Carbohydrate 51g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 26g protein.
QUICK MACARONI AND CHEESE
This is the quickest good-tasting macaroni and cheese I know outside of my own from scratch recipe. Kids love it!
Provided by SABRINATEE
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven broiler. Grease a 1 1/2 quart microwave safe dish.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
- Microwave frozen mac and cheese according to package directions.
- Stir together macaroni, mac and cheese, milk and pepper in prepared dish. Mix well. Microwave on high 2 minutes, until heated through. Sprinkle with Cheddar and Parmesan and place under oven broiler. Broil until cheese is melted and beginning to brown, 2 to 5 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 466.1 calories, Carbohydrate 37.5 g, Cholesterol 63.8 mg, Fat 24.9 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 22.7 g, SaturatedFat 13.8 g, Sodium 811.4 mg, Sugar 3.8 g
MACARONI AND CHEESE
Serve this classic, highlighted by goat cheese and scallions, as a main course or a side dish.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly butter a 2-quart casserole. Set aside. Cook macaroni in a large pot of boiling water according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cool water to stop the cooking, and set aside.
- Warm milk in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Melt butter in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes, or until mixture is thick and smooth. Whisking constantly, gradually add warm milk. Cook over medium-low heat 8 to 10 minutes, whisking occasionally. Remove white sauce from heat; add salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup each yellow and white cheddar and 1/4 cup Parmesan; set aside. Set aside 1 tablespoon scallions. Add remaining 1 3/4 cups of both cheddars and 3/4 cup Parmesan to warm white sauce. Stir well. Stir in remaining scallions, then the cooked macaroni. Add goat cheese in 1-inch pieces; fold gently to combine.
- Transfer mixture to casserole; top with reserved scallions and cheeses. Bake until golden brown and bubbling, 30 to 35 minutes.
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.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your mac and cheese.
- Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta is best for mac and cheese.
- Use a good quality cheese. A blend of cheddar and Parmesan is a classic choice, but you can use any type of cheese that you like.
- Make a roux. This will help to thicken the cheese sauce and prevent it from becoming oily.
- Add milk or cream slowly. This will help to prevent the cheese sauce from curdling.
- Season the cheese sauce to taste. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are all good options.
- Serve the mac and cheese immediately. It's best when it's hot and bubbly.
Conclusion:
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients, so you can easily customize it to your own taste. Whether you like it simple or loaded with toppings, mac and cheese is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
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