Best 16 My Favorite Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

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Macaroni and Cheese is a beloved comfort food, enjoyed by people of all ages. Its creamy, cheesy goodness is the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes, or as a standalone meal. With so many variations on the classic recipe, it can be difficult to decide which one to try. This article will provide you with a guide to finding the best recipe for your favorite macaroni and cheese, whether you prefer a simple, traditional version or something more adventurous. We'll explore different types of pasta, cheeses, and sauces, as well as provide tips for creating a delicious and memorable dish.

Here are our top 16 tried and tested recipes!

BEST-EVER MACARONI AND CHEESE



Best-Ever Macaroni and Cheese image

In the South, mac 'n cheese is like everyone's favorite aunt-and this best-ever recipe beats out the rest.

Provided by Southern Living Test Kitchen

Categories     Casserole

Time 1h10m

Yield Serves 10

Number Of Ingredients 14

16 ounces uncooked large elbow macaroni, large shells, or cavatappi pasta
6 tablespoons salted butter
⅓ cup grated yellow onion
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 ½ cups milk
1 ¾ cups heavy cream
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
4 ounces extra-sharp yellow Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup), plus 4 oz. diced (about 1 cup), divided
4 ounces sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded, (about 1 cup), plus 4 oz. diced (about 1 cup), divided

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare pasta according to package directions for al dente.
  • Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium. Add next 6 ingredients; cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Add flour, and cook, stirring, until golden, 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Bring to a boil, whisking occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, whisking, until slightly thickened, 5 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce. Remove from heat; stir in 3/4 cup each of shredded Cheddar cheeses until melted. (Reserve remaining 1/4 cup each of shredded cheeses.) Stir in pasta and diced cheeses; pour into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch (3-quart) baking dish.
  • Bake on a rimmed baking sheet in preheated oven until bubbly and golden, 30 minutes. Remove from oven; increase oven temperature to broil. Sprinkle with reserved shredded cheeses; broil 6 inches from heat until cheeses are melted and golden, about 2 minutes. Remove from oven; cool slightly on a wire rack, about 15 minutes.

MOM'S MACARONI AND CHEESE



Mom's Macaroni and Cheese image

The wonderful homemade goodness of this creamy Velveeta mac and cheese makes it a staple side dish in my mother's kitchen and in mine as well. It has tender noodles and a crowd-pleasing golden crumb topping. -Maria Costello, Monroe, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner     Side Dishes

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1-1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
5 tablespoons butter, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 ounces cubed Velveeta
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat. Add the cheeses, stirring until cheese is melted. Drain macaroni., Transfer macaroni to a greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over macaroni; mix well. Melt the remaining butter; add the bread crumbs. Sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 30 minutes or until heated through and topping is golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 309 calories, Fat 20g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 60mg cholesterol, Sodium 569mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 11g protein.

CHUCK'S FAVORITE MAC AND CHEESE



Chuck's Favorite Mac and Cheese image

Easily doubled for a potluck, cottage cheese and sour cream are the unique elements to this macaroni and cheese recipe.

Provided by MRSO

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni
1 (8 ounce) package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (12 ounce) container small curd cottage cheese
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup dry bread crumbs
¼ cup butter, melted

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil, add pasta, and cook until done; drain.
  • In 9x13 inch baking dish, stir together macaroni, shredded Cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix together bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle topping over macaroni mixture.
  • Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until top is golden.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 590.8 calories, Carbohydrate 45.5 g, Cholesterol 87.7 mg, Fat 33.3 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 26.8 g, SaturatedFat 20.3 g, Sodium 720.2 mg, Sugar 2.1 g

BEST MAC 'N CHEESE EVER!



Best Mac 'N Cheese Ever! image

This is the best mac 'n cheese ever! I started out by going through the recipes on this site and when I found one I wanted to try, I was putting together the first few ingredients and said, 'Ya know what would be great to add to this...' and that's where the 'Best Mac 'N Cheese Ever' was created. By the time I was done and it was served at our New Year's Day lunch everyone was raving about how delish it was. Try this easy recipe for a down-home Southern taste of the Best Baked Mac 'N Cheese Ever!

Provided by CASS CLARK

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h10m

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 11

cooking spray
1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
1 cup evaporated milk
4 extra large eggs
1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend
6 slices processed cheese food (such as Velveeta®), torn into 4 pieces
½ cup butter, melted

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • 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; pour macaroni into the prepared dish.
  • Beat eggs, sour cream, seasoned salt, and black pepper into a smooth mixture; stir Cheddar cheese and Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese into mixture until thoroughly combined. Pour over macaroni and mix well. Top casserole with torn pieces of processed cheese. Drizzle melted butter over casserole, especially along the sides.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until casserole is bubbling and cheese has melted, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 427.5 calories, Carbohydrate 27.3 g, Cholesterol 130.2 mg, Fat 27.9 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 17.1 g, SaturatedFat 17.2 g, Sodium 551 mg, Sugar 3.6 g

MACARONI AND CHEESE



Macaroni and Cheese image

When it comes to comfort food, nothing tops mac 'n' cheese, especially Martha's easy-to-make version.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Yield Serves 12

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for dish
6 slices good white bread, crusts removed, torn into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces
5 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
4 1/2 cups grated sharp white cheddar cheese (about 18 ounces)
2 cups grated Gruyere cheese (about 8 ounces) or 1 1/4 cups grated Pecorino Romano cheese (about 5 ounces)
1 pound elbow macaroni

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 3-quart casserole dish; set aside. Place bread in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Pour butter into bowl with bread, and toss. Set breadcrumbs aside.
  • In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, heat milk. Melt remaining 6 tablespoons butter in a high-sided skillet over medium heat. When butter bubbles, add flour. Cook, whisking, 1 minute.
  • While whisking, slowly pour in hot milk. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the mixture bubbles and becomes thick.
  • Remove pan from heat. Stir in salt, nutmeg, black pepper, cayenne pepper, 3 cups cheddar cheese, and 1 1/2 cups Gruyere or 1 cup Pecorino Romano; set cheese sauce aside.
  • Fill a large saucepan with water; bring to a boil. Add macaroni; cook 2 to 3 minutes less than manufacturer's directions, until the outside of pasta is cooked and the inside is underdone. (Different brands of macaroni cook at different rates; be sure to read the instructions.) Transfer macaroni to a colander, rinse under cold running water, and drain well. Stir macaroni into the reserved cheese sauce
  • Pour mixture into prepared dish. Sprinkle remaining 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup Gruyere or 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano, and breadcrumbs over top. Bake until browned on top, about 30 minutes. Transfer dish to a wire rack to cool 5 minutes; serve hot.

FAMILY-FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Family-Favorite Macaroni and Cheese image

Creamy and cheesy, this homemade mac and cheese recipe is just the ticket for traditional comfort food, but with lots of mix-in possibilities that help you put a flavor-forward twist on a classic recipe. Check out the Expert Tips section below for suggestions on adding bacon, caramelized onions, fire-roasted diced tomatoes and even lobster.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 50m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (7 ounces)
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded or cubed Cheddar cheese (8 ounces)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package.
  • While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in 3-quart saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constanly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.
  • Gently stir macaroni into cheese sauce.
  • Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 400, Carbohydrate 34 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fat 2, Fiber 1 g, Protein 17 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 560 mg

OUR FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Our Favorite Macaroni and Cheese image

Creamy, cheesy macaroni with a light, crunchy topping: This is the macaroni and cheese that dreams are made of. A hit of ground mustard brings an unexpected kick to this guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Provided by Rhoda Boone

Categories     Cheese     Pasta     Side     Kid-Friendly     Frankenrecipe     Macaroni and Cheese     Cheese Week     Cheddar     Parmesan     Small Plates

Yield Serves 12

Number Of Ingredients 20

For the topping:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for baking dish
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 ounces finely grated Parmesan (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For the macaroni and sauce:
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more
1 pound dried elbow macaroni
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons mustard powder
16 ounces coarsely grated extra-sharp cheddar (about 6 cups)
2 ounces grated Parmesan (about 1/2 cup)
Special equipment:
9- by 13-inch baking dish

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in the middle of oven. Butter the baking dish.
  • Make the topping:
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, heat butter and oil until butter foam subsides. Add panko and garlic; cook, stirring, until crumbs are golden brown, 4-6 minutes. Transfer crumbs to a medium bowl, stir in Parmesan and salt, and set aside.
  • Prepare the macaroni and sauce:
  • Set a large, covered pot of salted water over high heat to boil. Add macaroni and cook until just al dente (avoid overcooking). Drain macaroni and set aside.
  • In a large wide pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle flour over butter, whisking to incorporate and make a roux. Cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until roux is light golden, about 4 minutes. Gradually pour in milk and cream, whisking constantly to incorporate and make a béchamel sauce. Raise heat to medium-high and bring sauce to a low boil, whisking constantly. Reduce to a simmer, whisking occasionally, and cook until béchamel sauce is thick and coats the back of a spoon, about 3 minutes more.
  • Add 2 tsp. salt, pepper, and mustard powder. Add the cheeses in three batches, whisking until each addition is completely melted before adding more. Remove from heat.
  • Add the drained macaroni to the pot with the cheese sauce and stir well to coat. Transfer macaroni mixture to the buttered baking dish and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle topping evenly over macaroni and bake until golden and bubbling, 18-22 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes before serving.

MOM'S FAVORITE BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



Mom's Favorite Baked Mac and Cheese image

This is a macaroni and cheese I first made 3 years ago when I was in California. When I got back to Texas I made it for my mom. This is now her favorite baked macaroni and cheese. She begs me to make it when I come to visit.

Provided by GEPETTO_69

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dry mustard
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (8 ounce) package processed American cheese, cut into strips

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion for 2 minutes. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in milk, salt, mustard and pepper; cook, stirring frequently, until mixture boils and thickens.
  • Meanwhile, bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • To the milk mixture add the Cheddar and American cheeses; stir until cheese melts. Combine macaroni and cheese sauce in a 2 quart baking dish; mix well.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 561 calories, Carbohydrate 36.5 g, Cholesterol 100.1 mg, Fat 33.3 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 28.3 g, SaturatedFat 20.7 g, Sodium 1194 mg, Sugar 5.2 g

MY FAVORITE MAC N CHEESE



My Favorite Mac N Cheese image

This is the creamiest, most yummy homemade mac-n-cheese I've ever eaten. Most homemade macaroni and cheese is grainy, to me, but not this one! And you can make it on the stove top for a quick meal, or in a crockpot for later. You can also make this up and freeze it for OAMC. I like to add sliced hot dogs mixed in for fun, or add cooked broccoli, peas, or whatever you like mixed into your mac-n-cheese.

Provided by Piper Lee

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 40m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
4 tablespoons butter
3 cups grated medium cheddar
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup milk
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cheddar cheese condensed soup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

Steps:

  • To cook on stove top:.
  • Cook macaroni until al dente, or doneness you prefer; drain, then return noodles to pot. In a separate saucepan, melt butter, then add cheese, sour cream, condensed cheddar cheese soup, milk, salt, pepper, and mustard; stir until completely melted, then pour over cooked noodles and mix well; serve immediately.
  • To cook in crockpot:.
  • Boil macaroni noodles for 5 minutes; drain and set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter, then add cheese, sour cream, condensed cheddar cheese soup, milk, salt, pepper, and mustard; stir until completely melted. Butter the inside of a slow cooker and place in the noodles; then pour the melted cheese mixture onto the noodles and mix until well combined. Cook on low for 2 to 2 1⁄2 hours stirring a couple times during the cooking. Test once in a while to check if the noodles are cooked to the softness you prefer, then serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 783, Fat 48.6, SaturatedFat 30.1, Cholesterol 143, Sodium 975.3, Carbohydrate 53.9, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 3.2, Protein 32.5

FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Favorite Macaroni and Cheese image

Make and share this Favorite Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by sweetcakes

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 slices white bread, crust removed
5 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup flour
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups grated gruyere
1 lb elbow macaroni

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375.
  • Butter a 3 quart casserole dish, set aside.
  • Place bread in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 Tbsp butter and pour over bread in bowl. Toss and set aside.
  • Warm the milk in saucepan over medium heat. Melt the remaining 6 Tbsp butter in high sided skillet over medium heat. When the butter bubbles, add the flour. Cook stirring one minute.
  • While whisking, slowly pour in the hot milk mixture until bubbles and thick 8-12 minutes.
  • Remove from heat add all seasonings and 1 1/2 cups cheese.
  • Cook macaroni until slightly underdone. Drain and stir into cheese mixture pour into buttered casserole.
  • Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs. Cook 30 minute.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1156.5, Fat 65.4, SaturatedFat 39.9, Cholesterol 200.6, Sodium 1472.9, Carbohydrate 89.1, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 3.8, Protein 52.2

MY FAVORITE BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE.



My Favorite Baked Macaroni and Cheese. image

Our family's favorite Macaroni and cheese for over 25 years. Based on a recipe cut out of a Virginia newspaper many years ago.

Provided by Dustbunni

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h5m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb macaroni, cooked al dente
1 small onion, sliced thin (or chopped)
1/2 cup celery, minced
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups milk
4 eggs
1 lb cheddar cheese, shredded (or 1/2 lb. cheddar and 1/2 lb. swiss cheese)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon basil (optional)
2/3 cup breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • Put the macaroni in a deep casserole dish and stir in the cheese, reserving 1/2 cup of cheese.
  • Saute the onion and celery in butter about four minutes.
  • Gently mix this into the macaroni mixture.
  • Beat the eggs, milk, and seasonings together and pour over the macaroni and cheese mixture.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumb over the top.
  • Bake covered at 350 degrees for 20 minutes and then uncover for another 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 758.6, Fat 35.1, SaturatedFat 20.4, Cholesterol 236.9, Sodium 1056, Carbohydrate 71.9, Fiber 3.3, Sugar 3.4, Protein 37.4

MY OWN MACARONI AND CHEESE



My Own Macaroni and Cheese image

I am one of those people who never follows the recipe, so this recipe is great as it lends itself to that very well. It's also a great dish to throw in all the left over meat and veggies that you may have. Generally I add ingredients until it tastes good.

Provided by JOBOS12

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 slices bacon
4 cups macaroni
1 pinch dried basil
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 tomato, sliced
2 teaspoons dried basil

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside.
  • In large pot, cook macaroni pasta in boiling salted water with a pinch of basil and one teaspoon of olive oil until al dente. Rinse with cool water. Drain.
  • Meanwhile, use a blender to mash the whole peeled tomatoes. In a large bowl combine mashed tomatoes, 1 cup of the grated Cheddar cheese, chopped bacon and bell green pepper, bacon, and chopped carrots. Mix well. Add the cooked macaroni and toss well to coat evenly.
  • Place in 2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese and 2 teaspoons basil on top. Layer the sliced tomatoes over all.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 765.7 calories, Carbohydrate 94.9 g, Cholesterol 68.8 mg, Fat 29 g, Fiber 6.8 g, Protein 31.6 g, SaturatedFat 14.7 g, Sodium 864.1 mg, Sugar 9.1 g

MY FAVORITE MAC AND CHEESE



My Favorite Mac and Cheese image

Make and share this My Favorite Mac and Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Renee D

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h20m

Yield 4 bowls, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 1/2 cups milk, heated
1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
salt
fresh ground pepper
cayenne
1/2 lb macaroni, cooked
1/4 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
1/2 cup freshly made buttered bread crumb

Steps:

  • Sauce: Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the paste cooks and bubbles a bit, but don't let it brown - about 2 minutes. Add the hot milk, continuing to stir as the sauce thickens. Bring it to a boil. Add salt and pepper to taste, lower the heat, and cook, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes more. Stir in 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese during the last 2 minutes of cooking, along with a pinch of cayenne pepper. Remove from the heat. To cool this sauce for later use, cover it with wax paper or pour a film of milk over it to prevent a skin from forming.
  • Macaroni: Preheat the oven to 375°F Butter a 1 1/2-quart casserole. Put the cooked macaroni into the casserole, pour the cheese sauce over it, and mix gently with a fork. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top and spread the crumbs over the cheese. Bake, uncovered, until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 684.2, Fat 34.2, SaturatedFat 20.9, Cholesterol 100, Sodium 606.3, Carbohydrate 66, Fiber 2.6, Sugar 2.1, Protein 27.6

ULTIMATE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese image

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

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
6 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons McCormick® Mustard, Ground
1 ½ teaspoons McCormick® Black Pepper, Coarse Grind
1 teaspoon McCormick® Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups milk
6 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 ½ cups panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon McCormick® Paprika

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

FAMILY-FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Family-Favorite Macaroni and Cheese image

I found this recipe in a Taste of Home publication awhile back. I had written it out and stuck it in my 'to try' binder. A few months ago I made it for the first time... it's now my absolute favorite baked macaroni and cheese recipe! (with it tweaked for my own tastes). Enjoy!

Provided by ErikaNY

Categories     Cheese

Time 55m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1/4 cup butter (I use margarine) or 1/4 cup margarine (I use margarine)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (I use a squirt of yellow mustard)
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups milk
8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
1/8 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Cook elbow macaroni as directed on package.
  • While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in a 3 quart saucepan over low heat.
  • Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Stir in milk.
  • Heat to boiling, stirring constantly.
  • Boil and stir for 1 minute.
  • Stir in cheese.
  • Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.
  • Drain macaroni when done. Gently stir macaroni into cheese sauce and pour into ungreased 2 quart baking dish.
  • Mix together bread crumbs and parmesan cheese; sprinkle over macaroni and cheese.
  • Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 435.3, Fat 24.2, SaturatedFat 15, Cholesterol 72.2, Sodium 597.6, Carbohydrate 36.3, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 1.3, Protein 18

MY FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE



My Favorite Macaroni and Cheese image

My favorite way to eat mac 'n cheese from a box (like Kraft's Macaroni & Cheese). The salsa added, makes it taste sooo good!

Provided by Cindi M Bauer

Categories     Cheese

Time 12m

Yield 3 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 (7 1/4 ounce) box Kraft macaroni and cheese
1/4 cup butter or 1/4 cup margarine
1/4 cup milk
4 -5 tablespoons salsa (*See note)

Steps:

  • Prepare the mac'n cheese according to package directions. (I have also made this using the 7.25 oz. box of Kraft's Thick & Creamy Macaroni & Cheese, and it tastes just as good, or even better, but you will need to add a 1/2 cup of milk as stated on the box).
  • Just before serving (and while still hot), stir in the salsa.
  • *Note: Whenever I make this recipe adding salsa that's has more heat to it (like my husbands homemade 'hot' salsa), I only add 4 tablespoons to the mac 'n cheese, but if I use a store bought brand that's not so hot, and is a medium-heat tasting salsa, then I'll add 5 tablespoons of the salsa.

Tips:

  • Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will greatly affect the flavor of your macaroni and cheese. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a classic flavor, or experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or fontina for a more complex flavor.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente: Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian, and it refers to the texture of pasta that is cooked but still has a slight bite to it. This is the best texture for macaroni and cheese because it will hold its shape and not become mushy.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken sauces. It will help to give your macaroni and cheese a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Use milk and cream: Milk and cream add richness and flavor to macaroni and cheese. Use whole milk for a richer flavor, or use a combination of milk and cream for a lighter flavor.
  • Season to taste: Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little bit of heat.
  • Top with breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs add a crispy texture to macaroni and cheese. You can use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs.
  • Bake until golden brown: Bake the macaroni and cheese until it is golden brown and bubbly. This will ensure that it is cooked through and has a delicious crust.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple tips, you can make the best macaroni and cheese that you have ever tasted. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give macaroni and cheese a try. You won't be disappointed!

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