Craving a comforting dish that satisfies your taste buds without the hassle of extensive cooking? Look no further than the classic mac and cheese! This beloved dish, known for its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, can be elevated with a few simple tricks and flavorful ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this article will guide you through the art of crafting the perfect quick and easy mac and cheese. From selecting the right pasta to mastering the cheese sauce, you'll discover tips and tricks to create a dish that will leave you and your family craving for more. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that merges convenience, flavor, and pure comfort in every bite.
Let's cook with our recipes!
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
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
QUICKEST MAC AND CHEESE
Steps:
- Heat the heavy cream, cream cheese and garlic salt in a medium cast-iron skillet over high heat. As the edges start to bubble, gently whisk the cream cheese until it is evenly incorporated into the heavy cream, about 1 minute. Allow to cook for 15 seconds so the mixture thickens. Add the Cheddar and American cheese and continue whisking. Pour the sauce over the pasta, stir and serve immediately!
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.
FANCY-BUT-EASY MAC N' CHEESE
Want a quick and easy Mac n' Cheese that looks like you spent all day working on it? This is the recipe.
Provided by Nadine
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 1h20m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Place the diced onion in a large pot of lightly-salted water; bring to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes; drain. Transfer the onion and pasta to a casserole dish; season with salt, pepper, and garlic salt. Stir the butter and brown sugar into the pasta mixture until the butter melts. Add the Cheddar cheese soup, Havarti cheese, Parmesan cheese and 1/3 cup of Cheddar cheese; stir well. Sprinkle remaining Cheddar cheese over top of the dish.
- Bake in preheated oven about 45 minutes. Change oven setting to 'Broil' and cook until top is golden brown, about 4 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 505.5 calories, Carbohydrate 56 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Fat 23.1 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 20.4 g, SaturatedFat 14.1 g, Sodium 1175.3 mg, Sugar 7.9 g
EASY CREAMY MAC 'N CHEESE
Our recipe for Easy Creamy Mac 'N Cheese has only 5 ingredients and is on the table in less than 30 minutes. What's not to love about that?! Whether you serve it on the side or as a main dish, it's comfort food that the whole family will love.
Provided by Country Crock®
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Country Crock®
Time 20m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Cook pasta in large pot according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, whisk milk, Country Crock® Spread, and flour in large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently. Reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in cheese until melted; remove from heat. Drain pasta and fold into the sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 292.3 calories, Carbohydrate 33.1 g, Cholesterol 34.5 mg, Fat 11.2 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 14.2 g, SaturatedFat 6.8 g, Sodium 202.7 mg, Sugar 4 g
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
EASY ONE-POT MAC 'N' CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: whole milk, elbow macaroni, butter, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, fresh parsley
Provided by Matthew Johnson
Categories Sides
Time 20m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large pot on medium-high heat, gently heat the milk to a simmer.
- Add in the elbow macaroni. Cook until the pasta is tender.
- Once the noodles are cooked, turn off the heat. Add in the butter, cheddar, salt, and pepper. Fold these ingredients with the pasta until the cheese and butter melt into the milk to create a thick sauce.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve!
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 758 calories, Carbohydrate 72 grams, Fat 37 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 32 grams, Sugar 12 grams
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
QUICK MACARONI AND CHEESE
For a quick but wholesome mac and cheese, look no further. This is a creamy, cheesy dish. Submitted by the Vegetarian Times.
Provided by Miss Annie
Categories Cheese
Time 25m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cook macaroni in 3 quarts water until al dente, stirring occasionally (about 8-10 minutes).
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium sauce pan.
- Add garlic and cayenne pepper.
- Cook 1 minute over medium heat.
- Add the flour, and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the milk and salt; bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.
- Simmer 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, and stir in 1 cup cheese.
- Drain pasta and add it to the sauce.
- Cook 1 minute.
- Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 227.8, Fat 4.2, SaturatedFat 2.4, Cholesterol 11.7, Sodium 309.2, Carbohydrate 32.9, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 5.9, Protein 13.8
EASY STOVE-TOP MACARONI & CHEESE
Make and share this Easy Stove-Top Macaroni & Cheese recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Marie
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 30m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions.
- In medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; stir in flour, and cook for 3-5 minutes stirring constantly to form a roux; add salt and pepper; slowly add milk, stirring well after each addition.
- Cook and stir until bubbly.
- Stir in cheese a small amount at a time until fully melted.
- Drain macaroni; add to cheese sauce; stir to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 590.7, Fat 24.4, SaturatedFat 14.9, Cholesterol 71.3, Sodium 540.1, Carbohydrate 68.7, Fiber 2.8, Sugar 2.4, Protein 23.2
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
EASY SLOW-COOKER MAC & CHEESE
My sons always say I'm the best mom in the world when I make this creamy mac-and-cheese perfection. Does it get any better than that? -Heidi Fleek, Hamburg, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 1h25m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine soup, milk, sour cream, butter and seasonings; cook and stir over medium-low heat until blended. Stir in cheeses until melted., Drain macaroni; transfer to a greased 3-qt. slow cooker. Stir in cheese mixture. Cook, covered, on low 1-2 hours or until heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 346 calories, Fat 23g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 71mg cholesterol, Sodium 712mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 15g protein.
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY
Nothing says comfort like a homemade baked mac and cheese. Our favorite version is made with a luscious and creamy sauce that pools in the pasta shells for the ultimate cheesy feel-good food.
Provided by Aleya Zenieris
Time 1h
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than recommended on the package (you want the pasta to have a slight bite; it will finish cooking while it bakes).
- In a large bowl, combine 8 ounces shredded cheddar with the American cheese and cornstarch. Use your fingers to gently toss until all of the cheese is coated.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. As the butter begins to sizzle, add the mustard powder and cayenne and stir to combine. Toast the spices until the butter turns golden brown, about 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the milk begins to simmer, with small bubbles rapidly rising to the surface, about 3 minutes.
- Whisk the egg in a small bowl, then temper it by slowly adding in spoonfuls of the simmering milk mixture while continuing to whisk until incorporated.
- Slowly drizzle the tempered egg back into the milk mixture, whisking vigorously until the egg is fully incorporated.
- Remove the pot from the heat and add the cheddar cheese mixture, a small handful at a time, whisking between each addition to make sure the cheese melts evenly (mix quickly enough that the mixture does not cool too rapidly, but slowly enough that the emulsion does not break).
- Add the cooked pasta to the pot and gently fold to coat with the sauce, then season with 1 teaspoon salt. Pour the pasta and sauce into an 8-inch square baking dish with 2-inch-high sides (at this point, the pasta can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 3 days).
- In a medium bowl, combine the remaining 2 ounces of cheddar cheese, the mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle on top of the pasta.
- Bake the mac and cheese until the cheese is melted and beginning to bubble around the edges, about 20 minutes. Turn the broiler on high and broil the mac and cheese until the cheese begins to brown all over, about 5 minutes. Let the mac and cheese sit for 5 minutes for the sauce set and cool slightly.
- Serve warm.
- Enjoy!
MACARONI AND CHEESE FOR TWO
This is one of those dishes that our family calls "a Mama recipe." My mother rarely consulted a cookbook, so when asked for a recipe, she could only estimate. I've worked out the ingredients to make it for two, but it can easily be doubled. It's simply a good, wholesome dish most folks seem to enjoy. -Betty Allen, East Point, Georgia
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 40m
Yield 2 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°. In a medium bowl, combine macaroni, cheese, milk, egg and salt; mix well. Pour into a greased 1-qt. shallow baking dish; dot with butter. Bake, uncovered, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 30-35 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 447 calories, Fat 27g fat (18g saturated fat), Cholesterol 190mg cholesterol, Sodium 1050mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 21g protein.
THE EASIEST BAKED MACARONI & CHEESE
There may be lots of recipes out there for macaroni and cheese, but this is the first one I ever found that you don't have to cook the macaroni before you bake it. It is also really simple to put together - all in the casserole dish you are baking it in! I got this from a newsletter of an organization. I take this to potlucks all the time and I always come home with none of it left. It's a dish I'm constantly handing out the recipe for; be sure not to use cheese that has been frozen and thawed because it will ruin the consistency of the dish. You can also cut down on the butter if you would like to lose some of the fat. This is not a real creamy cheesy type of macaroni and cheese, which can sometimes be a little too rich for our tastes. I've made those, but my family prefers this kind over any other.
Provided by CookingONTheSide
Categories Cheese
Time 1h10m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Melt butter in microwave.
- Pour macaroni in 2-3 quart casserole dish. Pour butter over macaroni. Stir well to coat.
- Add salt and pepper. Stir well.
- Add cheese. Sometimes I may use a mixture of monterey, colby and cheddar, depending on what I have at the time. Mix well.
- Add milk. Do not stir.
- Bake uncovered in oven for 60 minutes. I do think this tastes best when it is still hot from the oven.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 704, Fat 37.3, SaturatedFat 23.1, Cholesterol 116.4, Sodium 1131.8, Carbohydrate 61.2, Fiber 2.1, Sugar 2, Protein 30.7
EASY EASY MACARONI CHEESE
Very simple Macaroni Cheese
Provided by kuzeyboy
Time 30m
Yield Serves 2
Number Of Ingredients 0
Steps:
- Boil water and when boiling, add pasta.
- Mix butter and flour to make a roux in a saucepan. Take off the heat.
- Introduce and gradual mix in the milk to make sure it remains smooth.
- Return to heat and once bubbling, remove from heat.
- Stir in cheese until it has all melted.
- Drain the pasta into a casserole dish, add the cheese sauce and sprinkle the red Leicester on the top.
- Place under grill and remove when slightly browned.
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.
Tips:
- Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will make a big difference in the flavor of your mac and cheese. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a classic flavor, or try a blend of different cheeses for a more complex flavor.
- Cook the macaroni al dente: Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian, and it refers to the pasta being cooked just until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked macaroni will become mushy and ruin the texture of your mac and cheese.
- 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 and runny.
- Season the cheese sauce: Don't forget to season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. This will help to bring out the flavor of the cheese and make your mac and cheese more delicious.
- Use a variety of toppings: There are many different toppings that you can use to add flavor and texture to your mac and cheese. Some popular toppings include breadcrumbs, bacon, crumbled sausage, and diced tomatoes.
Conclusion:
Mac 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 you can use to make it even better. By following these tips, you can make a mac and cheese that is creamy, cheesy, and delicious. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give mac and cheese a try. You won't be disappointed!
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