Best Best Ever Mac Cheese Recipes

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THE BEST BAKED MAC & CHEESE RECIPE EVER



The Best Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe Ever image

Super creamy and gloriously cheesy, this classic baked mac and cheese boasts a golden bubbling lid with ooey gooey goodness underneath.

Provided by Kare for Kitchen Treaty

Categories     Main Course     Side Dish

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 ounces macaroni ( or other medium tubular pasta (like penne or conchiglie)* (1/2 pound or about 1 and 3/4 cups))
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika ((plus more for sprinkling on top))
2 1/2 cups 2% milk
3 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese ((approx. 12 ounces) **)

Steps:

  • Boil the pasta JUST until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and return to the pan you boiled it in. Set aside. (Mix in a little butter to keep the noodles from sticking if it's going to be awhile before you make the sauce)
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • To a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the butter. When the butter has melted, add the flour, salt, dry mustard, pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika. With a wooden spoon or whisk, stir constantly for three minutes.
  • Add the milk in a thin stream, stirring constantly with a whisk. Continue to stir constantly until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, 5-8 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and add 2 cups of the cheese, stirring until melted. You'll reserve the last cup of cheese for topping. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and toss gently until all of the pasta is coated.
  • Add half the pasta to a two-quart casserole dish (I like a tall 8-inch by 8-inch baking dish). Sprinkle on half the cheese. Add the rest of the pasta. Sprinkle on the rest of the cheese, then dust lightly with the smoked paprika.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the mac and cheese is bubbling and browning on top.
  • Serve, topping individual servings with parsley or cooked, chopped bacon if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 442 kcal, Sugar 7 g, Sodium 601 mg, Fat 22 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, Carbohydrate 38 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 23 g, Cholesterol 68 mg, ServingSize 1 serving

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

BEST EVER MAC & CHEESE



Best Ever Mac & Cheese image

To make this amazing mac, I make a sauce loaded with three different cheeses to toss with the noodles. When baked, it's gooey goodness with a crunchy topping that...don't get me started! -Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 package (16 ounces) uncooked elbow macaroni
4 slices hearty white bread (4 ounces), torn into large pieces
6 tablespoons butter, cubed and divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1 teaspoon pepper, divided
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
2 cups half-and-half cream
1 cup (4 ounces) cubed process cheese (Velveeta)
1 block (8 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 block (8 ounces) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°. In a stockpot or Dutch oven, cook pasta according to package directions for al dente; drain and return to pan. Pulse bread, 2 tablespoons butter, Parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a food processor until coarsely ground., Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, melt remaining butter. Add onions and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add ground mustard and cayenne; stir until blended. Stir in flour until smooth, about 3 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk and cream; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in Velveeta. Slowly add remaining cheeses a handful at a time, stirring until cheese is melted. Add Worcestershire and remaining salt and pepper. Pour over pasta; toss to coat., Transfer to a greased 13x9-in baking dish. Sprinkle bread crumbs over top of casserole. Bake until topping is golden brown and sauce is bubbly, 10-12 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 762 calories, Fat 43g fat (25g saturated fat), Cholesterol 134mg cholesterol, Sodium 1138mg sodium, Carbohydrate 61g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 32g protein.

THE BEST EVER VEGAN MAC 'N' CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY



The Best Ever Vegan Mac 'N' Cheese Recipe by Tasty image

Whether you're lactose intolerant or just looking to cut back on dairy, this creamy, dreamy mac stands up to the real thing. Made with velvety cashew milk and roasted garlic, you'll be going back for seconds and thirds.

Provided by Rachel Gaewski

Categories     Sides

Time 5h40m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 cup raw cashews
warm water, for soaking cashews
1 head garlic
5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 cups cold water
1 ¼ cups panko breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon paprika
3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
2 tablespoons vegan butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 cups elbow pasta

Steps:

  • Add the cashews to a medium bowl and cover with warm water by 1 inch (2 ½ cm). Soak for 3-4 hours, until the cashews are softened and plump, then drain.
  • While the cashews are soaking, make the roasted garlic: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Cut off the top ½ inch (1 ¼ cm) of the head of garlic and drizzle the exposed cloves with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Replace the top of the head of garlic and wrap tightly in foil. Roast for 35-40 minutes, until the cloves are easily pierced with a fork. Unwrap the garlic and let cool completely. Once cooled, squeeze all of the cloves from their skins.
  • Add the soaked cashews, roasted garlic cloves, and cold water to a high-powered blender. Blend on high speed until completely smooth. 30-60 seconds. Set aside.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch (30 G) cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the panko, paprika, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir with a spatula to coat the bread crumbs in the oil. Toast, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes, until the bread crumbs are lightly golden brown. Transfer the bread crumbs to a bowl and set aside. Wipe out the skillet.
  • In the same skillet, melt together the vegan butter and remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. Whisk in the flour, making sure there are no clumps. Cook the roux for 3-4 minutes, whisking continuously, until the flour is golden in color and fragrant.
  • Add the blended cashew mixture to the skillet and whisk well to combine with the roux. Add the nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, pepper, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of salt. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and pool when drizzled, but not so thick that it is gloppy. If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
  • Add the elbow noodles to the sauce and toss until well coated.
  • Sprinkle the toasted bread crumbs on top of the pasta in an even layer.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling around the edges of the skillet and the bread crumbs are deep golden brown.
  • Garnish with fresh minced parsley and serve.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 615 calories, Carbohydrate 83 grams, Fat 23 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 17 grams, Sugar 4 grams

BEST EVER CAULIFLOWER MAC & CHEESE



Best Ever Cauliflower Mac & Cheese image

We all know that the best topping for cauliflower is cheese, now you can have both your comfort food and your veggie all in one bowl. Inspired by Jamie Oliver's cauliflower mac & cheese, this one is a creamy, vegetarian dish with hidden veggies for your kids!

Provided by colleenfitzgerald_1

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups cauliflower, fresh or frozen
8 ounces macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
1 1/4 cups milk
3/4 cup cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
pepper
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Cook the cauliflower in simmering water until tender. Use a slotted spoon to remove.
  • Cut the cauliflower florets into bite size pieces.
  • Return water to the boil and cook the pasta in the same water. Drain.
  • Combine the melted butter, breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese in a bowl and set aside.
  • Melt the butter in medium sauce pan.
  • Add flour mixed with salt, nutmeg and pepper, using a whisk to stir until well blended.
  • Slowly add the milk and cream, stirring continuously until blended.
  • Simmer for 2 minutes or until it thickens, stirring constantly.
  • Remove from heat and add the cheese, stirring until melted.
  • Combine the pasta, cauliflower and cheese sauce and transfer to a buttered casserole dish.
  • Top with the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, until the breadcrumbs form a crispy crust.

BEST EVER MAC AND CHEESE



BEST EVER Mac and Cheese image

Creamy comfort food!

Provided by FrackFamily5 CA->CT

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
1 (16 ounce) package cottage cheese
1 cup sour cream
½ cup butter
1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese
1 (10 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes with juice
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until macaroni is cooked through but still slightly firm, about 8 minutes. Drain well.
  • Combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, butter, and cooked macaroni in a large baking dish. Stir in the Cheddar cheese. Arrange the tomatoes on top, then pour the tomato liquid over the casserole. Season with salt and black pepper.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then mix the macaroni and cheese thoroughly. Continue to bake until lightly browned and bubbly, about 15 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 730 calories, Carbohydrate 61.7 g, Cholesterol 107.9 mg, Fat 40.3 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 30.1 g, SaturatedFat 24.9 g, Sodium 734.7 mg, Sugar 3.6 g

BEST EVER"MAC AND CHEESE"! EMERIL'S CHALLENGE WINNER!



Best Ever

On ABC this morning( Feb. 29th) the winner of the Mac and Cheese challenge Emeril had going prepared this dish! Everyone raved and I thought that for those of you that are lovers of this dish. (who isn't? :-)) Would like the recipe

Provided by Koechin Chef

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h10m

Yield 12-14 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 lb cavatappi pasta or 1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
1 head garlic, roasted
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 lb applewood smoked bacon
1 1/2 cups fresh white breadcrumbs (5 slices)
1/2 cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese, grated
8 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup shallot, minced
1/2 cup flour
1 quart whole milk
6 ounces gruyere cheese, grated
8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon fresh nutmeg, grated

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Cut top of garlic, sprinkle with oil, salt and pepper. Wrap tightly in foil and roast about 45 minute until soft. unwrap and cool. Remove the garlic paste and mash with a fork. (this will be added to the sauce).
  • Cook bacon until crisp. drain and crumble. Reserve 1 Tbs. bacon fat.
  • Topping:.
  • Combine bread crumbs, bacon, Parmesan cheese and 2T melted butter. Set aside.
  • Saute shallots in reserved bacon fat until soft. Add remaining 6 T butter.
  • Add flour and cook for a couple of minutes.( A whisk works best.).
  • Add roasted garlic and slowly stir in the milk. Slowly bring to a boil until thickened.
  • Remove from heat and add salt, pepper, nutmeg, Gruyere and cheddar. stir until cheese is melted. Taste to check for more salt and pepper.
  • Stir in the cooked pasta. Pour into a baking dish and cover top with "The Topping.".
  • Cover baking dish with foil and bake 15 minute at 375°F Uncover and bake until sauce bubbles and topping has browned.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 557.1, Fat 31.2, SaturatedFat 16.5, Cholesterol 87.2, Sodium 793.4, Carbohydrate 42.1, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 5.6, Protein 26.2

THE BEST EVER MAC & CHEESE



The Best Ever Mac & Cheese image

Possibly the best tasting recipe ever for Macaroni & Cheese. It is also the easiest. Charlie and I can eat the whole bowl in one sitting. We absolutely love this recipe!

Provided by Chef Howe

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h10m

Yield 1 casserole, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups uncooked macaroni
1/4 cup butter
1 cup cottage cheese, small curd
12 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
salt and pepper, to taste
konriko hot 'n spicy creole seasoning, to taste
2 1/2 cups boiling water

Steps:

  • Spread butter on bottom of casserole dish.
  • Add rest of ingredients except for the water in a large bowl.
  • Mix together well then place in buttered casserole dish.
  • Add the boiling water.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour.
  • Let set for about 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 345.6, Fat 21.4, SaturatedFat 13.2, Cholesterol 64.4, Sodium 414.5, Carbohydrate 21, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 1.6, Protein 17

REALLY THE BEST-EVER MAC 'N' CHEESE



Really the Best-Ever Mac 'n' Cheese image

Better than the normal, everyday, mac-n-cheese. I found this recipe online. Note: Use large shells such as chiocciole or conchiglie, or large elbow macaroni. A stout would go very well with this dish.

Provided by spacholl

Categories     Brunch

Time 1h20m

Yield 12-16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon melted butter
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup flour
5 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1 bay leaf
4 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided
1 lb pasta shells (cooked according to package directions in salted water) or 1 lb elbow macaroni (cooked according to package directions in salted water)
1/2 cup heavy cream

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Toss the panko bread crumbs with the melted butter on a small baking pan. Toast the bread crumbs until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  • In a large saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat until melted, then stir in the flour. Heat and stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbling, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the milk. Add the dry mustard, white and cayenne pepper, nutmeg, salt and bay leaf. Heat and stir to boiling, then reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the bay leaf.
  • Stir in 3 cups of the cheddar until melted. Pour the sauce over the cooked macaroni in a large bowl, stirring until all of the macaroni is coated. Pour the macaroni into a well-buttered 9-by-13-inch casserole. Drizzle heavy cream around the edges of the casserole. Sprinkle on it the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese, then the toasted bread crumbs.
  • Cover the casserole with aluminum foil. Bake 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered an additional 10 minutes. Put under a preheated broiler for 5 minutes.

BEST MAC AND CHEESE EVER!!



Best Mac and Cheese Ever!! image

This recipe makes the most wonderful creamy rich mac and cheese I've ever had. it is easy to make, looks and tastes wonderful and everyone loves it

Provided by lizzypoo222

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 55m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 lb uncooked noodles (I like the shells but anything kind will work)
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional)
4 cups whole milk or 4 cups half-and-half
1 lb shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons of melted butter

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350º F.
  • Cook noodles as directed on box.
  • While noodles are cooking, melt butter in saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pepper. Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute-mixture will thicken. Stir in cheese. Cook, stirring constantly until cheese is melted.
  • Drain rinsed noodles. Gently stir into cheese sauce. Pour into un-greased 4-quart casserole.
  • Stir together bread crumbs and butter and sprinkle over the top of the Mac and Cheese.
  • Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bread crumbs are toasted and cheese is bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 564.5, Fat 32.1, SaturatedFat 19.3, Cholesterol 126.2, Sodium 701, Carbohydrate 46.6, Fiber 2, Sugar 6.8, Protein 22.4

HOMEMADE MAC & CHEESE (THE BEST YOU'LL EVER HAVE)



Homemade Mac & Cheese (The Best You'll Ever Have) image

I made this up today and it turned out even better than I imagined. I took ideas from many differnet mac & cheese recipes and tailored them to my preference. Please try this recipe and rate it! I have been on recipe zaar for years and no one has tried or rated any of my recipes yet.

Provided by Princess Peggy

Categories     Cheese

Time 50m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb elbow macaroni
8 ounces cream cheese
8 ounces sour cream
1 yellow onion, chopped
havarti cheese
muenster cheese
extra sharp white cheddar cheese
breadcrumbs
garlic powder

Steps:

  • Boil water.
  • Add macaroni. Cook until tender.
  • Meanwhile, saute onion in olive oil, then set aside.
  • Combine softened cream cheese and sour cream.
  • Heat cream cheese and sour cream mixture over medium heat until uniform.
  • Add desired amount of garlic powder.
  • When mixture is smooth, add cheeses, bit by bit.
  • I don't know the exact measurements for the cheeses, I just got all the cheeses in standard blocks and shredded it all. It looked like alot to me.
  • Once all the shredded cheese is incorporated, combine cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and caramelized onions in a baking dish.
  • top with bread crumbs, and bake at 350 for 35 minutes.

BEST HOMEMADE MAC-N-CHEESE EVER



Best Homemade Mac-N-Cheese Ever image

Updated 9/27/12 with additional notes I've learned over time. This is a personal recipe based on traditional bechamel-based mac-n-cheese. Super creamy and flavorful. I like mine in the microwave, but also tastes great in the oven. For my own taste, I like 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup mild cheddar, and 1/2 cup Italian blend. Re: comment about "kicked up white sauce", not using enough cheese or only mild cheeses would certainly taste more like a white sauce, but that is why I have written the recipe to taste. There are so many combinations to try :) Please feel free to use your favorite cheese(s) and plenty of it! 3 cups is just what works for me.

Provided by Shabookie_513

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 45m

Yield 1 pan, 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 cups low-fat milk
3 cups shredded cheese, to taste, your favorite varieties
8 ounces corkscrew macaroni or 8 ounces penne, etc

Steps:

  • Boil macaroni according to package directions.
  • Cheese Sauce.
  • Melt butter in saucepan over low heat. (low heat is important! watch carefully).
  • Add flour gradually while whisking and cook for 1 minute, still whisking.
  • Add a small amount of milk to start the sauce then add all the spices.
  • Keep on whisking while adding the rest of the milk. Turn up the heat to high or medium high depending on your stove, just be careful not to scorch the sauce. The more you whisk, the creamier the sauce will be.
  • As sauce approaches a boil, begin to whisk in cheese one handful at a time, ensuring all cheese is melted before adding another. (Helps with texture and greasiness).
  • Take off the heat and whisk vigorously one last time.
  • Pour over cooked macaroni in 13x9 pan and stir together. The last 1/2 cup of sauce may be too much depending on type and amount of pasta. Sprinkle additional cheese over the top if desired.
  • Microwave on 70% power for 15:00 minutes or until set. If you prefer baking, it comes out well at 350 after about 30-35 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 447.4, Fat 21.5, SaturatedFat 13.2, Cholesterol 57.5, Sodium 652.8, Carbohydrate 42.5, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 7.4, Protein 20.8

EMERIL'S BEST MAC 'N' CHEESE EVER CHALLENGE RECIPES



EMERIL'S BEST MAC 'N' CHEESE EVER CHALLENGE RECIPES image

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 head of garlic, roasted
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pound Cavatappi pasta
½ pound sliced Applewood smoked bacon
1 ½ cups fresh white bread crumbs (5 slices, crusts removed)
½ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
8 tablespoons butter
¼ cup minced shallots
½ cup flour
1 quart whole milk
6 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated
8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
½ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. To roast garlic: Slice ½ inch off the top of the entire head of garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap garlic head tightly in a square of heavy foil and roast until tender - about 45 minutes. Remove garlic pulp by squeezing garlic head. Smash cloves with a fork to form a paste. Cook pasta according to package directions. Cook bacon completely. Drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat. Crumble bacon when cool. To make topping: Combine breadcrumbs, crumbled bacon, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Set aside. Preheat oven to 375°. Sauté shallots over low heat in reserved bacon fat for one minute. Add remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and continue to sauté shallots in butter and bacon fat until translucent. Add flour and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes. Increase heat to medium. Stirring constantly with a whisk, add milk and roasted garlic paste. Cook until sauce is thickened (coats the back of a spoon). Remove sauce from heat then add salt, pepper, nutmeg, Gruyere and Cheddar cheeses. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Stir in cooked pasta. Pour into baking dish. Sprinkle topping to cover entire top. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until sauce is bubbly and topping is browned. Enjoy!

THE BEST MAC & CHEESE EVER - REALLY!



The Best Mac & Cheese Ever - Really! image

So,Emeril had this national mac & cheese contest and this is the winning recipe. Yes, it takes a bit longer to make, but it oh so worth it. Got rave reviews every time I've made it and will never use another mac & cheese recipe again.

Provided by Mary Beam

Categories     Pasta

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 head of garlic roasted
1 tsp olive oil
1 lb cavatappi pasta
1/2 lb applewood smoked bacon
1 1/2 c fresh white bread crumbs, 5 slices, crusts removed
1/2 c grated parmesan cheese
8 Tbsp butter
1/4 c minced shallots
1/2 c flour
1 qt whole milk
6 oz gruyere cheese, grated
8 oz extra sharp cheddar, grated
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • 2. To roast garlic: Slice ½ inch off the top of the entire head of garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap garlic head tightly in a square of heavy foil and roast until tender - about 45 minutes. Remove garlic pulp by squeezing garlic head. Smash cloves with a fork to form a paste.
  • 3. Cook pasta according to package directions.
  • 4. Cook bacon completely. Drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat. Crumble bacon when cool.
  • 5. To make topping: Combine breadcrumbs, crumbled bacon, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Set aside.
  • 6. Turn the oven up to 375 degrees.
  • 7. Sauté shallots over low heat in reserved bacon fat for one minute. Add remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and continue to sauté shallots in butter and bacon fat until translucent.
  • 8. Add flour and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes. Increase heat to medium. Stirring constantly with a whisk, add milk and roasted garlic paste.
  • 9. Cook until sauce is thickened (coats the back of a spoon). Remove sauce from heat then add salt, pepper, nutmeg, Gruyere and Cheddar cheeses. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
  • 10. Stir in cooked pasta. Pour into baking dish. Sprinkle topping to cover entire top. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until sauce is bubbly and topping is browned. Enjoy!
  • 11. Hints: ....Roast the garlic well ahead, because you'll need to let it cool, or you'll burn your fingers squeezing out the pulp. Learned this the hard way! Also, I baked mine for 15 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered and it was perfect.

BEST EVER MAC N CHEESE



Best Ever Mac N Cheese image

Well I got this recipe fro an oldd friend of mines great grandmother. She told me the way she did it and told me to add my own personal spin to it, to make it my own. So I added a few things and turned it into a family classic

Provided by skky Brown

Categories     Pasta Sides

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb macaroni, dry
3 1/2 qt boiling water
2 Tbsp salt
1 1/2 pt milk
3 c cheddar cheese
2 c pepper jack cheese shredded
2 stick margarine
1 c flour
1 pinch cyanne pepper
1 c cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • 1. Pre-heat your oven to 375*
  • 2. In a large pot bring salted water to a boil
  • 3. add uncooked macaroni noodles
  • 4. After the noodles have cooked to al dente hold in cold water
  • 5. In a second lagre pot add milk bring to a slow simmer.
  • 6. Add salt, and pepper to milk
  • 7. Once milk has started to simmer slowly add your cheeses. One cup at a time. stirring after each addition of cheese. Be careful not to scorch your cheese and milk. If need be turn your temp. down
  • 8. In a small bowl add your flour to that add a 1/2 cup of your milk/cheese mixture. Stir until well incorperated. If you need to add more milk/cheese mixture.
  • 9. Add your flour mixture to your cheese/milk mixture let cook until flour taste is completly gone.
  • 10. Add butter/margerine to cheese mixture. Stir until butter/margerine is melted.
  • 11. Once your cheese mixture is complete add your macaroni noodles, slowly. Stir gently
  • 12. Add your noodles and cheese mixture to a oven safe deep dish pan. Do this in layers. After each layer add cheese. noodle mixture cheese ect.
  • 13. Once you have filled your pan (do not over fill) top with cheese and butter/margerine
  • 14. Plan pan in oven and allow to back for 45-60 minutes or until center is hot and sauce is bubbling and cheese is melted.
  • 15. You can add some crispy bacon bites if you eat pork.
  • 16. Serve with chicken, pork or beef with green beans your family will love you each time they have it.

BEST MAC 'N' CHEESE EVER



BEST MAC 'N' CHEESE EVER image

Categories     Pasta

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 head of garlic, roasted
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pound Cavatappi pasta
½ pound sliced Applewood smoked bacon
1 ½ cups fresh white bread crumbs (5 slices, crusts removed)
½ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
8 tablespoons butter
¼ cup minced shallots
½ cup flour
1 quart whole milk
6 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated
8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
½ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. To roast garlic: Slice ½ inch off the top of the entire head of garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap garlic head tightly in a square of heavy foil and roast until tender - about 45 minutes. Remove garlic pulp by squeezing garlic head. Smash cloves with a fork to form a paste. Cook pasta according to package directions. Cook bacon completely. Drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat. Crumble bacon when cool. To make topping: Combine breadcrumbs, crumbled bacon, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Set aside. Preheat oven to 375°. Sauté shallots over low heat in reserved bacon fat for one minute. Add remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and continue to sauté shallots in butter and bacon fat until translucent. Add flour and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes. Increase heat to medium. Stirring constantly with a whisk, add milk and roasted garlic paste. Cook until sauce is thickened (coats the back of a spoon). Remove sauce from heat then add salt, pepper, nutmeg, Gruyere and Cheddar cheeses. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Stir in cooked pasta. Pour into baking dish. Sprinkle topping to cover entire top. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until sauce is bubbly and topping is browned. Enjoy!

MAC'N'CHEESE - BEST EVER



MAC'N'CHEESE - BEST EVER image

Categories     Cheese     Bake     High Fiber     Dinner

Yield 12-16 people

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
1 tsp. melted butter
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1/2 cup flour
5 cups milk
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp. white pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. salt
1 bay leaf
4 cups shredded mild cheddar -divided
3 cups shredded gruyere
1 lb shells or elbow macaroni
1/2 cup heavy cream

Steps:

  • 1.heat over 350. toss panko crumbs with melted butter on small baking pan - toast bread crumbs 10 min. lightly brown set aside. 2.Lg. saucepan, heat butter med. heat, melt then stir in flour. heat & stir til mix. is smooth and bubbling - 2min. Remove from heat, wisk in milk. Add dry mustard and peppers, nutmeg, salt and bay leaf. Stir and heat til boiling-reduce to low and simmer 30 - remove bay leaf. 3. stir in 3 cups cheddar and all gruyere until melted. Pour over cooked macaroni in a well buttered 9 x 13 baking dish. Drizzle cream around edge of cassarole, sprinkle with remaining cheddar and toasted crumbs 4. cover with aluminum foil bake 20 min. then uncover and bake 10 more min. then put under preheated broiler 5 min. Serve with nice green salad.

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