Best Cheesy Ranch Shells My Fav Homemade Mac Cheese Recipes

RANCH MAC & CHEESE

Steps:

• Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, combine the milk, butter, dressing mix and seasonings; heat through. Stir in Monterey Jack and Colby cheeses until melted. Stir in sour cream., Drain macaroni; stir into cheese sauce with the saltines. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

CHICKEN RANCH MACARONI AND CHEESE

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken and ranch seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in batches. Cook 1-2 minutes on each side (or until golden brown and internal temperature is 165°F). Remove from heat and tent with aluminum foil to keep warm.
• Wipe out the skillet to use for the macaroni and cheese.
• In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes (or until the mixture turns light brown).
• Remove from heat and gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly.
• Return the pan to the heat and whisk another 3-5 minutes, or until thickened.
• Add the salt, garlic powder, and ranch seasoning. Stir to combine and remove from heat.
• Add the cheeses, stirring to melt.
• Pour the cooked noodles over the top of the sauce. Stir to combine.
• Season with salt and pepper, and top with the chicken, bacon, and chopped parsley.

CHICKEN RANCH MAC & CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. In a 6-qt. stockpot, cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente; drain and return to pot., Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Stir in cheeses until blended. Stir in dressing., Add chicken and sauce to macaroni, tossing to combine. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., Toss bread crumbs with melted butter; sprinkle over macaroni. Top with bacon. Bake, uncovered, 30-35 minutes or until topping is golden brown. Sprinkle with parsley. Freeze option: Prepare recipe as directed, increasing milk to 1-1/3 cups. Cool unbaked casserole; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Cover casserole with foil; bake 30 minutes. Uncover; continue baking as directed or until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.

QUICK SHELLS AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
• Heat the milk and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the cheeses and stir until melted. Stir in the pepper, salt and seasoned salt. Drain the pasta, and stir it into the cheese sauce. Serve immediately.

GRANDMA'S HOMEMADE MAC & CHEESE

Steps:

• Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
• Cook macaroni according to package.
• Butter bottom of casserole pan.
• Pour about 1" of milk into bottom of pan.
• Cut cheese into small cubes (1-2") and mix with noodles in pan (I like to pour a layer of noodles, layer chunks of cheese, then pour the rest of noodles on top. Scatter the rest of the cheese chunks throughout the noodles).
• Layer the shredded cheese on top of the casserole.
• Bake in oven until cheese is melted and slightly browned for about 30 minutes.

CHEESY RANCH CHEX™ MIX

Steps:

• In large microwavable bowl, mix cereal, pretzels and crackers.
• In small microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High about 30 seconds or until melted. Pour over cereal mixture; stir until evenly coated. Stir in dressing mix and cheese until evenly coated.
• Microwave uncovered on High 3 minutes, stirring after each minute. Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool. Store in airtight container.

CHEESY RANCH SHELLS - MY FAV HOMEMADE MAC & CHEESE

Steps:

• In a large pot of boiling water, cook the shells to desired doneness; drain, transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
• In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, saute the onion in the butter for about 5 minutes, or until tender.
• Stir in the flour, salt, pepper and mustard powder.
• Gradually add the milk and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat.
• Add the ranch dressing and 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese; stir until the cheese melts.
• Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked shells.
• Place in a greased 1 1/2 quart casserole and top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
• Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and cheese begins to turn golden brown.