Ever since Thomas Jefferson brought the first macaroni machine and a special macaroni recipe to the United States from his diplomatic mission to France, this dish has gained immense popularity and become a staple food. Macaroni and cheese, which originated in the 14th century, has numerous variations to cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a main meal, a side dish, or a comfort food, there's bound to be a macaroni and cheese recipe that will satisfy your cravings. From traditional stovetop methods to modern-day baking dishes, and from classic ingredients to creative twists, exploring the best macaroni and cheese recipes can be a delightful and rewarding journey.
Let's cook with our recipes!
OUR FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE
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
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
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
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
FAMILY-FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE
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
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
Make and share this Our Favorite Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Food.com.
Provided by AmyZoe
Categories < 60 Mins
Time 1h
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 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 and cook stirring, until crumbs are golden brown, 4 to 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 bechamel sauce.
- Raise heat to medium-high and bring sauce to a low boil, whisking constantly. Reduce to a simmer, whisking occasionally, and cook until bechamel 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 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 to 22 minutes.
- Let cool 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 562.1, Fat 29.4, SaturatedFat 16.4, Cholesterol 81.7, Sodium 1039.6, Carbohydrate 49.9, Fiber 2.3, Sugar 6.6, Protein 24
FAMILY-FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE
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
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
Tips:
- Using freshly grated cheese: Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains cellulose, which can make the cheese grainy and less flavorful. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and tastes better.
- Adding a roux: A roux is a mixture of equal parts butter and flour cooked together. Adding a roux to your macaroni and cheese will help to thicken the sauce and give it a creamy texture.
- Using a variety of cheeses: Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese in your macaroni and cheese. Cheddar is a classic, but you can also try Gruyère, Parmesan, or Gouda. Mixing different cheeses will create a more complex and flavorful dish.
- Seasoning the pasta water: When you are cooking the macaroni noodles, be sure to season the pasta water with salt. This will help to flavor the noodles and make the macaroni and cheese more flavorful.
- Baking the macaroni and cheese: Baking the macaroni and cheese in the oven will help to brown the top and create a crispy crust. You can also add a breadcrumb or Panko topping to the macaroni and cheese before baking it for an extra crunchy texture.
Conclusion:
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple tips, you can make a macaroni and cheese that is creamy, cheesy, and delicious. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give one of these macaroni and cheese recipes a try.
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