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Pioneer Woman's Mac and Cheese Recipe

Pioneer Woman's Mac and Cheese Recipe

There is something magical about a bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese. It is rich, comforting and loved by all ages. Pioneer Woman's Mac and Cheese Recipe is one of the most popular comfort food dishes for good reason.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups dried elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • cups whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons dry mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese grated
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese grated
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

Instructions
  

Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until just tender. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside while preparing the cheese sauce.

Melt the Butter

  • Place a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely. Stir gently to prevent browning. The melted butter creates the base for the creamy sauce.

Make the Roux

  • Sprinkle the flour into the melted butter. Whisk constantly for about two minutes. The mixture should become smooth and slightly golden. This step helps create a thick and silky cheese sauce.

Add the Milk

  • Slowly pour the milk into the roux while whisking continuously. Keep stirring to avoid lumps. Cook for several minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth and creamy.

Season the Sauce

  • Add the dry mustard powder, salt and black pepper. Stir well so the seasonings blend evenly throughout the sauce. These simple ingredients add depth and balance to the rich cheese flavor.

Temper the Egg

  • Place the beaten egg in a small bowl. Add a few spoonfuls of the warm sauce while whisking. Then slowly stir the egg mixture back into the saucepan. This prevents the egg from scrambling.

Add the Cheese

  • Reduce the heat to low. Add the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese gradually. Stir until fully melted. The sauce should become thick, creamy, and packed with delicious cheesy flavor.

Combine with the Pasta

  • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until every piece of pasta is coated. The pasta should be completely covered in the rich and creamy cheese mixture.

Transfer to Baking Dish

  • Pour the macaroni and cheese into a lightly greased baking dish. Spread it evenly using a spoon. Sprinkle paprika across the top for extra color and flavor.

Bake Until Golden

  • Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes. The top should look slightly golden and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it rest briefly before serving.

Notes

  • Grate cheese fresh for the smoothest sauce.
  • Do not overcook the pasta.
  • Use whole milk for extra creaminess.
  • Add cooked bacon for smoky flavor.
  • Mix in cooked broccoli for added vegetables.
  • Use smoked cheddar for deeper flavor.
  • Add a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
  • Try different cheese combinations.
  • Stir gently to keep pasta intact.
  • Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.
Keyword Pioneer Woman's Mac and Cheese Recipe