How To Make Homemade Macaroni And Cheese - When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are more popular than macaroni and cheese. A classic dish that's perfect for cold winter nights or lazy Sunday afternoons, it's no wonder that there are so many recipes for mac and cheese out there. From creamy and indulgent to crispy and cheesy, there's a macaroni and cheese recipe out there for every taste and occasion. In this post, we'll be sharing five of our favorite macaroni and cheese recipes, complete with tips, ideas, and how-to instructions.
1. Easy, Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add in flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk and continue stirring until it comes to a boil.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper until fully melted and combined.
- Add cooked macaroni to the pot and stir until evenly coated in sauce.
- Serve hot.
A classic and easy recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights, this cream macaroni and cheese recipe is a crowd-pleaser that's sure to become a staple in your household. The sauce is rich and creamy, with just the right amount of cheesiness. Add in some chopped bacon, diced green onions, or diced tomatoes for a fun twist!
2. BEST Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe - I Heart Naptime
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add in flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk, dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until it comes to a boil.
- Reduce heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish.
- Top with bread crumbs and parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve hot.
This baked macaroni and cheese recipe is a fan favorite, and it's not hard to see why. The cheese sauce is thick and gooey, with just the right amount of tanginess from the dijon mustard. The golden brown breadcrumb topping gives this dish a satisfying crunch, and the parmesan cheese adds a touch of saltiness. Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, this recipe is one you'll come back to time and time again.
3. How To Make DOWN HOME MACARONI AND CHEESE
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add in flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk, dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until it comes to a boil.
- Reduce heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and serve immediately.
If you're a fan of spicy food, this recipe for down-home macaroni and cheese is a must-try. The addition of cayenne pepper and paprika give this dish a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that's not too overpowering. We recommend serving this with a side salad to help balance out the heat!
4. Homemade Baked Macaroni And Cheese Southern Style - Bios Pics
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add in flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk, dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until it comes to a boil.
- Reduce heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish.
- Sprinkle with panko bread crumbs.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve hot.
If you're a fan of the classic southern-style macaroni and cheese, this recipe is for you. The sauce is rich and cheesy, and the panko bread crumbs give it a satisfying crunch. Serve this alongside some collard greens or fried chicken for the ultimate southern meal.
5. Creamy Homemade Macaroni and Cheese - Everyday Easy Eats
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add in flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk, mustard powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until it comes to a boil.
- Reduce heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and serve immediately.
If you're looking for a simple, no-fuss recipe for macaroni and cheese, this one is perfect for you. The sauce is creamy and rich, with just enough flavor from the mustard powder and smoked paprika. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
Tips and Ideas
Now that you have five fantastic macaroni and cheese recipes to choose from, here are a few tips and ideas to help you get the most out of your dishes:
- Use a blend of cheeses: While cheddar cheese is the classic choice for macaroni and cheese, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like gouda, gruyere, or fontina for a unique flavor.
- Add some vegetables: To make your macaroni and cheese more nutritious, try adding in some chopped broccoli or spinach to the sauce.
- Experiment with toppings: From bacon bits to crushed potato chips, there are endless options for toppings that can add some crunch and flavor to your macaroni and cheese.
- Make it gluten-free: If you're gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and flour in your macaroni and cheese recipe. You could also use almond flour or rice flour in place of all-purpose flour.
How To Make Macaroni And Cheese - Final Thoughts
How To Make Homemade Macaroni And Cheese - Whether you prefer creamy, baked, or spicy macaroni and cheese, these five recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. As with any dish, don't be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touch to these recipes. From extra cheese to hot sauce, the possibilities are endless. So grab a pot, some pasta, and get ready to make the ultimate comfort food. Happy cooking!
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