Best 5 The Great American Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

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Macaroni and cheese, a classic American dish, is a delightful blend of creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta. Whether served as a main course, a side dish, or a comforting snack, this iconic dish has earned its place as a beloved culinary treasure. With countless variations and personal touches, the possibilities for creating the perfect macaroni and cheese are endless. From traditional stovetop methods to modern oven-baked techniques, and from simple three-ingredient recipes to elaborate gourmet creations, there's a recipe out there to suit every taste and occasion. Let's embark on a culinary journey to discover the perfect recipe for the ultimate American macaroni and cheese.

Here are our top 5 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.

THE GREAT AMERICAN MACARONI AND CHEESE



The Great American Macaroni and Cheese image

This recipe comes from the Pasta & Co. cookbook and is a favorite of mine. So delicious. They say not to substitute a smooth tube dried pasta but to always use rigatoni for the best results. It is not a fiery dish, even though it calls for Tabasco and chili powder. These only work to enhance the cheddar flavor.

Provided by Jennifer Rosholt

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 lb mozzarella cheese, grated
3 cups milk
7 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup romano cheese, grated
2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce
1/3 teaspoon white pepper
1 lb rigatoni pasta
3/4 teaspoon chili powder
3/4 cup milk

Steps:

  • Combine grated Cheddar and mozzarella and set aside.
  • In a small saucepan, heat milk until near boiling. Turn off heat. Melt butter in a heavy pan large enough to hold the pasta after it is cooked. (It will take at least a 14-inch saute pan or a large casserole that can take direct heat.) When foam from butter recedes, remove from heat, add flour, and mix well. Return to medium-low heat, and, stirring occasionally, simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to cook, but not brown, the flour. Gradually stir in hot milk. Raise heat to medium-high and continue stirring until mixture is smooth and thick (about 5 minutes). Add Parmesan and Romano cheeses. Whisk until smooth. Add Tabasco and white pepper and blend.
  • Cook rigatoni in boiling salted water about 4 minutes. (It will be underdone, but will finish cooking later.) Thoroughly drain rigatoni and fold it into the cheese mixture.
  • If cooking immediately, preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Layer one-half the rigatoni mixture into a 9x13 pan. Top with one-half of the Cheddar and mozzarella. Repeat layers. Top with chili powder, sprinkled evenly over top.
  • If not baking immediately, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze. When ready to bake, drizzle the 3/4 cup milk over the dish. Bake for approximately one hour. If frozen, add at least 20 minutes to baking time. The dish should be rusty brown on top. Should it appear to be browning too fast, cover with foil for part of cooking time. Be sure to check for doneness in the very center of the dish.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 864.5, Fat 52.1, SaturatedFat 31.4, Cholesterol 208, Sodium 970.8, Carbohydrate 54.6, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 2.1, Protein 44.2

MACARONI AND CHEDDAR CHEESE



Macaroni and Cheddar Cheese image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 entree servings, 8 side servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil, 1 turn of the pan in a slow stream
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups whole or 2 percent milk
3 cups shredded white Cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground or freshly grated
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, a couple pinches
Salt
1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked 8 minutes or to al dente, with a little bite to it

Steps:

  • Heat a medium, deep skillet over medium heat. Add oil and butter. When butter melts into the oil, add flour and combine. Gently cook, whisking flour and butter together, until smooth and flour has had a chance to cook, about 3 minutes. Slowly add milk while continuing to whisk. Gently bring milk to a bubble while stirring frequently. Allow the milk to thicken a bit, then stir in 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese a handful at a time. Season sauce with nutmeg and cayenne. Taste and add a little salt, if you like. Add cooked pasta to sauce and coat completely by turning over and over in the cheese sauce. Transfer to a flameproof baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Place baking dish under a hot broiler and brown the Cheddar cheese on top.

GEORGIA MACARONI WITH AMERICAN CHEESE



Georgia Macaroni With American Cheese image

This is a recipe that I got from one of my husband's Marine friend's Mother. She came up to Virginia to visit him, and she cooked everyone a Southern Feast! My husband fell in love with the macaroni and cheese, so I asked her for the recipe, and, here it is! NOTE: This recipe is really just made by feel. After reading the reviews I received I re-adjusted the amount of milk in the recipe. Feel free to add, or subtract the amounts of salt, pepper, cheese or milk! Enjoy!

Provided by Juju Bee

Categories     Cheese

Time 15m

Yield 3 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 cups elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon butter
6 -8 slices American cheese
1/4 cup evaporated milk
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Boil 4 cups of salted water and add the macaroni; cook 8 minutes, or until done; Drain macaroni and set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt butter over LOW heat.
  • Add cheese slices, one by one, until all are melted through, and cheese is smooth.
  • Stir in the canned milk, more or less to your desired consistency.
  • Add drained macaroni to cheese mixture; add salt and pepper to taste, and mix well until coated.
  • Serve immediately.

AMERICAN STYLE MAC AND CHEESE



American style Mac and Cheese image

An indulgent American style Mac and cheese, great for sharing as a side dish at family gatherings.

Provided by Derek Smith 4

Time 50m

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

500g packet macaroni
125g butter
4 tablespoons plain flour
400g grated cheddar cheese
475ml milk
400ml double cream
4 slices bread, torn into small pieces
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • 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 and reserve.
  • Preheat oven to 175 degrees C (350 degrees F)
  • In a large sauce pan, melt 4 tablespoons butter or margarine over medium heat. Add flour and some ground black pepper to taste; stirring until paste-like consistency.
  • Add milk to mixture and stir continually until mixture starts to thicken; slowly stir in cheese 1 cup at a time until all cheese is melted.
  • Add double cream
  • Pour cheese mixture over macaroni. Mix well and pour into a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Place bread pieces on top of macaroni mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Melt 4 tablespoons butter or margarine and pour over bread.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Serve.

Tips:

  • Use quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the macaroni and cheese will be. Use high-quality cheese, milk, and butter.
  • Don't overcook the macaroni. Macaroni that is overcooked will be mushy and not hold its shape. Cook the macaroni al dente, according to the package directions.
  • Make a roux. A roux is a mixture of flour and butter that is used to thicken the sauce. A roux will help to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
  • Use a variety of cheeses. Using a variety of cheeses will give the macaroni and cheese a more complex flavor. Try using a combination of cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyère, and Fontina cheeses.
  • Season the sauce to taste. Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste. You can also add herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
  • Top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers will add a crispy topping to the macaroni and cheese.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple tips, you can make macaroni and cheese that is creamy, cheesy, and delicious. Experiment with different recipes and ingredients to find the perfect macaroni and cheese for your taste.

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