Easy Mac And Cheese Recipe

Rena    April 22, 2023    Recipe Pin    Comment   

Macaroni and cheese is a classic American comfort food that everybody loves. What's not to love about cheesy, creamy pasta dishes that warm the soul and fill the tummy? With so many variations to choose from, it can be challenging to select the best recipe for your cheesy cravings. So, we have compiled a list of the top ten mouth-watering mac and cheese recipes. Each recipe has its own unique twist that makes it stand out from the rest. You'll never go back to boxed mac and cheese after trying these delicious recipes.

1. Easy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe: The Suburban Soapbox

Our first recipe is an easy-to-follow recipe for creamy and smooth homemade mac and cheese that will become a favorite with everyone. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for a quick weekday dinner or a relaxing weekend meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, whisking constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and bubbly.
4. Add the milk, cream, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and Dijon mustard. Reduce the heat and whisk the sauce occasionally for 10 to 12 minutes until it thickens.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the shredded cheddar cheese and salt and pepper to taste until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 3-quart baking dish.
7. Sprinkle with the white cheddar cheese and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the macaroni and cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top.
8. Let the macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition:

• Serving size: 1 cup
• Calories: 672
• Total Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 23g
• Cholesterol: 117mg
• Sodium: 559mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 54g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 9g
• Protein: 28g

Tips:

The cheese sauce for this recipe can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just reheat it on low heat and whisk it until it is smooth before adding it to your cooked macaroni.

2. The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese: Mom On Timeout

This recipe is for the ultimate comfort food that will have everyone going back for seconds. Homemade baked mac and cheese is a classic dish that has been perfected in this recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and bubbly.
4. Add the milk and cream, whisking occasionally for 8 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheeses. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Add the macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the macaroni and cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top.
8. Let the macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition:

• Serving size: 1 cup
• Calories: 817
• Total fat: 50g
• Saturated fat: 29g
• Cholesterol: 153mg
• Sodium: 1041mg
• Total carbohydrates: 54g
• Dietary fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 11g
• Protein: 34g

Tips:

For a crunchy top, mix some panko bread crumbs with butter and sprinkle it over the top of your mac and cheese before baking.

3. Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe: Taste of Home

This baked mac and cheese recipe is one of the all-time comfort food favorites. With a crispy topping and a creamy center, this recipe has a perfect balance of textures that'll make you fall in love with it.

Ingredients:

• 1 package elbow macaroni (16 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons butter, cubed
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups 2% milk
• 1-1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a greased 2-1/2-quart baking dish.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper. Gradually stir in the milk. Bring it to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
4. Reduce the heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted.
5. Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and mix until the macaroni is coated with cheese sauce.
6. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese.
7. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the top is lightly browned.
8. Remove from oven and let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition:

• Serving size: 1 cup
• Calories: 543
• Total fat: 19g
• Saturated fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 52mg
• Sodium: 692mg
• Total carbohydrates: 67g
• Dietary fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 26g

Tips:

You can add crispy bacon bits or chopped green onions to the top of your mac and cheese before baking for extra flavor.

4. Easy Mac and Cheese with a Surprising Ingredient: The Weary Chef

This recipe is a deliciously creamy mac and cheese with a surprising ingredient that adds an extra depth of flavor. The secret ingredient is cream cheese, which makes the mac and cheese extra creamy and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 package cream cheese (8 ounces), cubed and softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, whisking constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and bubbly.
4. Add the milk and cream, whisking the sauce occasionally for 8 to 10 minutes until it thickens.
5. Add the cream cheese, salt, and black pepper, whisking for 1 to 2 minutes until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 3-quart baking dish.
8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the macaroni and cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top.
9. Let the macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition:

• Serving size: 1 cup
• Calories: 722
• Total fat: 45g
• Saturated fat: 27g
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Sodium: 637mg
• Total carbohydrates: 50g
• Dietary fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 27g

Tips:

For an extra crunch, crush some buttery crackers and sprinkle them over the top of your mac and cheese before baking.

5. Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe: Stacey Homemaker

This is a simple and easy-to-make mac and cheese recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights or when you're short on time. It is cheesy, creamy and oh so comforting.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Optional: bread crumbs and extra cheese for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, whisking constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and bubbly.
4. Add the milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, whisking occasionally for 8 to 10 minutes until it thickens.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 3-quart baking dish.
7. If desired, sprinkle bread crumbs and extra cheese over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the macaroni and cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top.
9. Let the macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition:

• Serving size: 1 cup
• Calories: 640
• Total fat: 34g
• Saturated fat: 21g
• Cholesterol: 96mg
• Sodium: 672mg
• Total carbohydrates: 58g
• Dietary fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 24g

Tips:

You can add your favorite seasoning to the mac and cheese to make it your own. Try adding paprika, cayenne pepper, or chopped herbs for extra flavor.

6. Best 21 Mac and Cheese Easy: Gimme Delicious

This recipe is perfect for when you