Best 2 Test Kitchens Favorite Mac And Cheese Recipes

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If you're looking for a creamy, cheesy, and comforting mac and cheese recipe, you've come to the right place. We've scoured the internet and tested dozens of recipes to find the best of the best. Our top pick is a recipe from the test kitchens of a leading food magazine, and it's sure to please even the most discerning palate. With its rich, flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, this mac and cheese is the perfect comfort food for a cold winter night or a cozy summer picnic. So grab a bowl and spoon, and let's get cooking!

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

TEST KITCHEN'S FAVORITE MAC AND CHEESE



Test Kitchen's Favorite Mac and Cheese image

Our ultimate mac and cheese relies on three different kinds of cheese -- American, cheddar, and Parmesan. For easier grating, put the block of cheese in the freezer for five minutes first.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Time 30m

Yield Serves 6 to 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound short pasta, such as elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or rigatoni
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
2 teaspoons mustard powder
3 cups warm whole milk, warmed
1 cup (4 ounces) finely chopped American cheese
2 cups (8 ounces) grated sharp cheddar
1 cup (2 ounces) grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Boil pasta in a medium pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 2 minutes less than per package instructions. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
  • Return empty pot to medium heat and add butter. When butter melts and foams, add flour and whisk until darkened slightly, 1 to 2 minutes. Add mustard powder and whisk to combine. Slowly whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low and add cheese in 3 batches, starting with American. Follow with cheddar and Parmesan. Whisk to fully combine after adding each cheese. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add pasta, stir to coat, and serve.

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

Tips:

  • Use a quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will have a big impact on the flavor of your mac and cheese. Use a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or fontina.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that helps to thicken the cheese sauce. This will prevent the sauce from becoming too thin and watery.
  • Use milk or cream: Milk or cream will help to make the cheese sauce smooth and creamy. You can use whole milk, 2%, or even skim milk. If you use cream, the sauce will be richer and more decadent.
  • Season the sauce: Don't forget to season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and other spices. This will help to enhance the flavor of the dish.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian. This means that the pasta should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and ruin the texture of the mac and cheese.
  • Use a variety of toppings: You can top your mac and cheese with a variety of ingredients, such as breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped bacon, or diced tomatoes. This will add flavor and texture to the dish.

Conclusion:

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking. Whether you like your mac and cheese simple or loaded with toppings, there is a recipe out there for everyone. 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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