Best 7 Skillet Mac Cheese Recipes

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Skillet mac and cheese is a comforting and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a quick and easy meal that can be made with simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty meal to feed a crowd, skillet mac and cheese is sure to satisfy. With a variety of toppings and add-ins to choose from, this dish can be tailored to your own unique taste. This article will provide you with everything you need to know about making the perfect skillet mac and cheese, from choosing the right ingredients to cooking it to perfection.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BACON MAC 'N CHEESE CORNBREAD SKILLET



Bacon Mac 'N Cheese Cornbread Skillet image

My cast-iron skillet is a workhorse in my kitchen. I just love it for cooking and baking. And this cast-iron mac and cheese recipe can be served as a main dish or as a smaller-portion side. -Lisa Keys, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 1h5m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1-3/4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
8 bacon strips, chopped
1 cup shredded smoked Gouda or cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
6 large eggs, divided use
3 cups 2% milk, divided
4 green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
1 package (8-1/2 ounces) cornbread/muffin mix
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Additional green onions

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a 12-in. cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard drippings, reserving 1 tablespoons in pan. , Drain macaroni; add macaroni to drippings. Stir in shredded cheeses and cream cheese; cook and stir over medium heat until cheese is melted, 2-3 minutes. Whisk 2 eggs, 1 cup milk, green onions, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; pour into skillet. Cook and stir until slightly thickened, 3-4 minutes. Remove from the heat., Reserve 1/4 cup bacon for topping; sprinkle remaining bacon over macaroni. Place cornbread mix, paprika, remaining 4 eggs, 2 cups milk, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Pour over bacon., Bake until puffed and golden brown, 30-35 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with reserved 1/4 cup bacon and additional green onions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 497 calories, Fat 27g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 203mg cholesterol, Sodium 978mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 23g protein.

SKILLET MAC & CHEESE



Skillet Mac & Cheese image

This super creamy mac 'n' cheese is so simple it seems almost too easy! Kids really go for the rich cheese flavor, but I've never met an adult who didn't love it too. -Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (about 8 ounces)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups half-and-half cream
3/4 pound process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
Optional toppings: fresh arugula, halved cherry tomatoes and coarsely ground pepper

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain., Meanwhile, in a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually whisk in cream. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat; stir in cheese until melted., Add macaroni; cook and stir until heated through. Top as desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 600 calories, Fat 37g fat (23g saturated fat), Cholesterol 144mg cholesterol, Sodium 1185mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 23g protein.

SKILLET MAC AND CHEESE



Skillet Mac and Cheese image

Serving mac and cheese in the skillet it's baked in amps up the homey comfort factor. The secret ingredient in this bread crumb-topped beauty is the finely chopped cauliflower that blends in subtly with the pasta. Using three different cheeses guarantees maximum flavor and meltability.

Provided by Ellie Krieger

Categories     main-dish

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 cups 1-inch-wide cauliflower florets
1 1/4 cups Light-and-Crisp Whole-Wheat Bread Crumbs (recipe below)
3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons olive oil
3 cups cold low-fat (1%) milk
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (5 ounces)
1/4 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (1 ounce)
2 teaspoons mustard powder
3/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
6 ounces (1 1/2 cups) whole-grain elbow macaroni, cooked for 3 minutes less than the package directions (about 3 cups cooked)
Nonstick cooking spray
4 slices whole wheat sandwich bread (about 1 ounce each)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Place the cauliflower into a steamer basket fitted over the pot, cover, and steam until just tender, about 5 minutes. Finely chop the steamed cauliflower.
  • In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, and oil.
  • In a large saucepan, whisk together the milk and flour until the flour is dissolved. Whisking constantly, bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the mixture thickens slightly, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the cheddar, Gruyere, mustard powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until the cheeses are melted and the mixture is smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the chopped cauliflower and macaroni and stir until well coated.
  • Spray an ovenproof 10-inch high-sided skillet with cooking spray. Pour the mixture into the prepared skillet. Sprinkle with the bread crumb mixture, place on a baking sheet, and bake until the top is browned and the cheese is bubbly, 35 to 40 minutes.
  • Homemade bread crumbs are one of those "chef's secrets" ¿ important but often overlooked detail that can make a dish. These easy-to-make crumbs are flaky, mild, and versatile¿they don't have that heavy whole-wheat taste and dense texture that most store-bought brands have. Since bread crumbs are a comfort-food cornerstone used in everything from cutlet coatings to casserole toppings, it's key to have the best.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Place the bread in a food processor and process until fine crumbs form, 25 to 30 seconds. Place the crumbs on a baking sheet, spreading them evenly. Bake until golden brown, about 12 minutes. Store the bread crumbs in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

SKILLET BACON MAC AND CHEESE



Skillet Bacon Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Kelsey Nixon

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

Bechamel sauce, recipe follows
1 pound dry pasta (recommended: elbow macaroni, shells, penne, etc.)
1 teaspoon dry mustard, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
2 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
1 cup, plus 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups panko (Japanese) bread crumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
6 slices bacon, cooked, reserve 1/4 cup rendered bacon fat
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup flour
3 cups hot whole milk
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Make the bechamel sauce, recipe follows, in a large 12-inch oven-safe skillet.
  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until nearing al dente, but not fully cooked; drain. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Over low heat, stir the dry mustard and cayenne pepper into the bechamel sauce. Gradually add the Cheddar, Gruyere, and 1 cup Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until all of the cheese has melted into the bechamel sauce. Add an additional cup of milk and cream. Taste and adjust the seasonings, if needed.
  • In another large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy and golden brown. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet, reserving 3 tablespoons rendered bacon fat.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the bechamel and stir to coat evenly with the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, chopped parsley, and reserved bacon fat. Coat the bread crumbs and chopped parsley with bacon fat and sprinkle the mixture over the top of the macaroni. Sprinkle the top with 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake until the top is browned and the sauce is bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes. Top with crumbled cooked bacon. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
  • To make the Bechamel:
  • Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan or an oven-safe skillet.
  • Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the paste cooks and bubbles a bit, avoid browning, about 2 minutes. Add the hot milk, continuing to stir as the sauce thickens. Bring the sauce to a boil. Add the nutmeg, salt, and pepper, to taste. Reduce the heat, and cook, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes more. Remove from the heat.

SKILLET MAC AND CHEESE



Skillet Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Ellie Krieger

Categories     Cheese     Pasta     Bake     Vegetarian     Dinner     Cauliflower     Healthy     Advance Prep Required     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 cups 1-inch-wide cauliflower florets
1 1/4 cups Light-and-Crisp Whole-Wheat Bread Crumbs
3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons olive oil
3 cups cold low-fat (1%) milk
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (5 ounces)
1/4 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (1 ounce)
2 teaspoons mustard powder
3/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
6 ounces (1 1/2 cups) wholegrain elbow macaroni, cooked for 3 minutes less than the package directions (about 3 cups cooked)
Nonstick cooking spray

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Place the cauliflower into a steamer basket fitted over the pot, cover, and steam until just tender, about 5 minutes. Finely chop the steamed cauliflower.
  • In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, and oil.
  • In a large saucepan, whisk together the milk and flour until the flour is dissolved. Whisking constantly, bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the mixture thickens slightly, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the cheddar, Gruyère, mustard powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until the cheeses are melted and the mixture is smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the chopped cauliflower and macaroni and stir until well coated.
  • Spray an ovenproof 10-inch high-sided skillet with cooking spray. Pour the mixture into the prepared skillet. Sprinkle with the bread crumb mixture, place on a baking sheet, and bake until the top is browned and the cheese is bubbly, 35 to 40 minutes.

EASY ITALIAN MAC & CHEESE SKILLET



Easy Italian Mac & Cheese Skillet image

This is a one pan mess! I love this because it is so easy to make. I must give credit to the Kraft Foods website because this is where I got the idea from. HOWEVER I did modify the recipe a bit, because first off I didn't write down what I needed and thought I could remember so when I got home I had to improvise. I served this to my somewhat picky husband, and parents and they all got up for seconds! So I'm very impressed! Some pointers to keep in mind. Because this website is picky on wordage it's suspposed to say 2 boxes of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Shells Three Cheese Flavor and not 1 lbs but rather 3 large pieces of boneless skinless chicken breast. I made this in a rather large deep skillet. And will have leftovers for tomorrow. If you're making this for only two people only use one box of mac and cheese, less chicken, less peppers/onions, and less milk/water. Also, what I like to do is have everything chopped up BEFORE putting anything in the pan to start cooking. I didn't really time how long it took me to cook this so I just guessed.

Provided by ChrissyVas

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 4-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
2 (14 ounce) packages macaroni shells and cheese
1 green bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
1 medium onion
2 cups milk
2 cups water
1 dash of mccormick italian seasoning (optional)
1 dash pepper (optional)

Steps:

  • Chop Chicken into bite size pieces.
  • Chop Onions, and peppers seperately into small pieces.
  • Coat skillet with olive oil to lightly fry the chopped chicken. (You be the judge of how much oil you wish to use to lightly fry the chicken.).
  • While chicken is sizzling, add a dash of Italian seasoning and a dash of.
  • pepper. Stir it up to spread your spices evenly on the cooking chicken.
  • Once chicken has turned white all the way around on the outside add the.
  • onions and peppers. Keep cooking on a medium heat until the veggies are soft.
  • and the meat has no pink on the insides.
  • Next add the milk, water, shells and cheese packets. Make sure to stir.
  • everything well. Allow it to simmer and reduce to a low heat, and cover with a.
  • well fitting lid.
  • It will be done when it looks creamy, but shells are soft not mushy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1087.5, Fat 26.9, SaturatedFat 8.7, Cholesterol 110.9, Sodium 1742.5, Carbohydrate 147.4, Fiber 5.7, Sugar 23.1, Protein 63.4

SKILLET MAC & CHEESE (MACARONI & CHEESE)



Skillet Mac & Cheese (Macaroni & Cheese) image

From Taste of Home Simple & Delicious Magazine, October 2008. Haven't tried this yet, but am posting for future reference. Author Ann Bowers wrote the following description "This is so simiple, it seems almost too easy! But you'll love it and fix it often. You could use salt and pepper to taste, but we don't feel it is necessary".

Provided by NELady

Categories     Cheese

Time 25m

Yield 4 , 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
3/4 lb processed cheese, cubed (Velveeta)

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to the package directions.
  • Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add cream; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat.
  • Stir in cheese until melted.
  • Drain macaroni, add to cheese mixture. Cook and stir for 3-4 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 657.1, Fat 38, SaturatedFat 23.5, Cholesterol 103.4, Sodium 1442.4, Carbohydrate 52.2, Fiber 1.8, Sugar 7.4, Protein 26.7

Tips:

  • Use high-quality cheese. The better the cheese, the better the mac and cheese will be. A blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan is a classic choice.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente. This means that it should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked macaroni will make the mac and cheese mushy.
  • Use a good quality butter. This will add flavor and richness to the dish.
  • Make a roux. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that helps to thicken the sauce. It also adds a nice nutty flavor.
  • Use milk or cream. Milk will make a lighter sauce, while cream will make a richer, more decadent sauce.
  • Season the sauce to taste. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are all good options.
  • Add mix-ins. Cooked bacon, diced ham, or chopped vegetables are all great additions to mac and cheese.
  • Top with breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese before baking. This will give the mac and cheese a crispy, golden-brown crust.
  • Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken up.

Conclusion:

Skillet mac and cheese is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It is also a great dish to serve at parties or potlucks. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make a delicious and comforting mac and cheese that everyone will love.

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