Dinner

Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese Recipe

Bymia larkspur April 17, 2026April 17, 2026

Introduction

This Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese recipe is rich, creamy, and delightfully cheesy—perfect comfort food for any occasion. With a crunchy breadcrumb topping and a luscious cheese sauce, it’s sure to please the whole family.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with one thick layer of creamy macaroni and cheese, showing golden-brown melted cheese on top with small browned spots and a light sprinkle of green herbs, sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon dry mustard
½ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to ensure even baking.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until just tender, then drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir gently and avoid browning it.
Step 4: Whisk in the flour constantly and cook for one minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 5: Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously. Allow the sauce to thicken gradually and smoothly.
Step 6: Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and dry mustard to the sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for two minutes.
Step 7: Lower the heat and gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Step 8: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all the pasta is well coated.
Step 9: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the topping is lightly golden and bubbly.
Step 11: Remove from the oven and let it rest for five minutes to allow the sauce to thicken before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a few drops of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular for an extra-crispy topping.
Mix in cooked bacon or sautéed onions for added texture and taste.
Try substituting half the cheddar with Gruyère for a nuttier flavor.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish filled with one thick layer of golden baked macaroni and cheese. The macaroni pasta is coated in a smooth creamy cheese sauce with small browned cheese bubbles scattered on top, showing a slightly crispy texture. Tiny green herb sprinkles are evenly spread over the surface, adding color contrast to the warm yellow and orange shades of the cheese. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a fork on the right side and a beige cloth napkin folded loosely on the left. A white bowl with bright green broccoli is visible in the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with cavatappi, shells, or any small pasta shape that holds sauce well.

How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When ready, add the breadcrumbs and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.