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Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 64 reviews

This Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting baked macaroni dish. It features a rich cheese sauce made with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, combined with a homemade roux-based sauce and topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this classic mac and cheese is baked to bubbly perfection in the oven.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 3 cups elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 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

Topping

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to ensure the mac and cheese bakes evenly without sticking.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and add salt generously. Cook the elbow macaroni until just tender, then drain well and set aside.
  3. Melt the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter without letting it brown, stirring gently to prevent burning.
  4. Make the Roux: Add the all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for one minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
  5. Add Milk and Cream: Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously. The sauce will gradually thicken into a smooth consistency.
  6. Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and dry mustard. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for two minutes to develop flavor.
  7. Add the Cheese: Lower the heat and gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir gently to evenly coat all the pasta with the cheese mixture.
  9. Assemble the Dish: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread it evenly, and sprinkle the breadcrumbs lightly over the top for a crunchy finish.
  10. Bake the Mac and Cheese: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the top is lightly golden and bubbly.
  11. Rest Before Serving: Carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for five minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken further for a perfect creamy texture when served.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and creaminess compared to pre-shredded.
  • Boil the pasta just until al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven.
  • For a crunchier topping, you can mix the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling.
  • If you prefer a milder flavor, adjust the paprika and dry mustard to your taste.
  • Letting the dish rest after baking improves the sauce consistency.

Keywords: Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese, baked mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, cheesy pasta bake

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/pioneer-woman-mac-and-cheese-recipe/