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pioneer woman mac and cheese

This creamy and cheesy mac and cheese recipe embodies comfort food at its best. The combination of rich cheeses and tender pasta makes it a crowd-pleaser that's perfect as a side dish or main course. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but delicious enough for special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 colander
  • 1 3-quart saucepan
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 baking dish (3-quart size)

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers for topping

Instructions
 

  • Cook the macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  • In a 3-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it forms a paste.
  • Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  • Stir in the salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Remove from heat, then add the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
  • Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
  • Let the mac and cheese cool slightly before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.

Notes

For a different flavor, try adding cooked bacon or sautéed onions to the cheese sauce.
You can also mix in vegetables like spinach or broccoli for a healthier twist.
This mac and cheese can be made ahead of time; just assemble it without baking, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it when you're ready to serve, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.