Nothing warms my heart quite like a hot, gooey bowl of mac and cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food that never fails to satisfy my cravings. Today, I want to share not one, but two delicious recipes that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
First up, we have the Perfect Best Baked Mac and Cheese from Pioneer Woman Recipes. This recipe is easy to follow and produces a dish that will impress anyone who takes a bite. To start, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Then, cook 16 ounces of elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. In the meantime, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan and whisk in 1/4 cup of flour until smooth. Gradually pour in 3 cups of milk while continuing to whisk, and then add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, and 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thickened.
Once your macaroni is cooked, drain it and add it to the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat all the macaroni. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Next, we have the Baked Mac and Cheese recipe from RecipeTin Eats. This version is just as delicious but has a slightly different flavor profile. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Cook 12 ounces of elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. While the macaroni is cooking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan and add 1/4 cup of flour. Whisk until smooth and then gradually pour in 3 cups of milk. Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it and add it to the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with buttered breadcrumbs (mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter). Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the mac and cheese is hot and bubbly.
Conclusion: Whether you prefer a classic, cheesy mac and cheese or a version with a little extra flavor, these recipes are sure to satisfy. Serve them as a main dish or as a side with your favorite protein. Either way, you can’t go wrong with these delicious recipes. Happy cooking!
