Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese isn’t just another mac and cheese recipe; it’s a beloved classic renowned for its incredibly thick, creamy texture and intense cheesy flavor. Created by the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, this dish has become a family favorite across generations. From picky eaters to those with hearty appetites, this macaroni and cheese recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
This Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese recipe is a go-to dinner option because it’s satisfying, straightforward, and undeniably delicious. Even better, you can have this comforting meal on the table in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Macaroni and cheese has evolved far beyond a simple kid’s meal. Today, there are countless variations to match every palate and occasion. Whether you prefer a classic baked version or a quick stovetop preparation, there’s a cheesy mac and cheese recipe out there to bring you comfort and joy.
If you’re looking to explore more mac and cheese variations, be sure to check out other fantastic recipes like smoked gouda mac and cheese, a spot-on copycat of Chick Fil A mac and cheese, a flavorful green chile mac and cheese, and an incredibly convenient and creamy crockpot mac and cheese!
But first, let’s dive into what makes this Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese recipe so special and why it deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation.
Why This Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese Recipe is a Must-Try
Let’s face it, the internet is overflowing with mac and cheese recipes. However, this Pioneer Woman version truly stands out from the crowd. It’s the perfect combination of rich, cheesy goodness with a beautifully browned, golden topping that gives way to the most decadent, gooey, and creamy interior you can imagine.
What I especially appreciate about this recipe is that it’s a genuinely comforting and wholesome dish that appeals to all ages. It’s a timeless classic that delivers on flavor and satisfaction.
Here’s what makes this recipe a winner:
- Quick and Convenient: Ready to enjoy in under an hour, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Wholesome and Satisfying: Made with simple, real ingredients for a comforting meal.
- Unbelievably Creamy and Cheesy: The texture and flavor are simply irresistible.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a hearty main course or a crowd-pleasing side dish.
- Flexible for Any Occasion: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
- Hearty and Comforting: A truly satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
Casserole dish filled with Pioneer Woman mac and cheese, showcasing its golden brown topping and creamy texture.
Tips for the Creamiest Mac and Cheese
One of the great things about this Pioneer Woman mac and cheese recipe is its adaptability in serving. You have options! If you’re craving the ultimate creamy experience, you can serve it immediately after mixing the pasta with the luscious cheese sauce. This results in an incredibly rich and velvety mac and cheese that’s pure comfort in a bowl.
Alternatively, for a more traditional baked mac and cheese, you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top it with extra cheese, and bake it in the oven until it’s bubbly and the cheese topping is beautifully golden brown. Baking adds another layer of flavor and texture, creating a delightful contrast between the creamy interior and the slightly crisp, cheesy crust. Personally, I adore this creamy mac and cheese prepared both ways!
Sometimes, I can’t resist sampling a bowl straight from the pot as I’m pouring it into the baking dish. It’s the perfect way to enjoy it both creamy and baked! (Of course, it’s all in the name of quality control – just making sure it’s going to be perfectly creamy and delicious).
This is a substantial recipe designed to generously serve 6-8 people, making it ideal for families or gatherings. This isn’t your average boxed mac and cheese; it’s a savory, homemade, creamy mac and cheese that’s satisfying enough to be the star of the meal!
Quick Tip: This incredible cheese sauce isn’t limited to just macaroni. Try spooning it over steamed broccoli or cauliflower to encourage your family to eat their veggies.
Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese
- Whole Milk: The secret to the exceptional creaminess of this Pioneer Woman mac and cheese is whole milk. Its higher fat content (around 3.5%) creates a rich, velvety texture that you simply can’t achieve with lower-fat milk options. Whole milk is essential for that signature creamy consistency.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The recipe calls for 16 ounces of grated sharp cheddar cheese, which provides a bold and classic cheese flavor. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite shredded cheeses. Colby, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella can be used for a milder flavor profile. A combination of cheeses can also add complexity.
- Elbow Macaroni: It’s crucial to cook your elbow macaroni to al dente. This means cooking it until it’s just slightly firm to the bite, not mushy. Al dente pasta will hold its shape and texture beautifully in the cheese sauce. Don’t forget to generously salt your pasta water – this seasons the pasta from the inside out, adding another layer of flavor even before you add the cheese sauce.
Close-up shot of scooping Pioneer Woman mac and cheese, highlighting the creamy texture and cheesy sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
- Prepare the Egg: In a small bowl, beat the egg and set it aside. This egg helps to enrich the sauce and add to the creamy texture.
- Make the Roux: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, sprinkle the flour evenly over the butter. Whisk continuously and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture turns a light golden color. This butter and flour mixture, called a roux, is the base for your creamy cheese sauce. Be careful not to burn the roux.
- Add Milk and Mustard: Remove the pot from the heat and gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth sauce. Add the dry mustard and whisk to combine.
- Thicken the Sauce: Return the pot to medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Constant stirring prevents scorching and ensures a smooth sauce.
- Temper the Egg: Remove about 1/4 cup of the hot cheese sauce and slowly whisk it into the beaten egg. This process, called tempering, gradually warms the egg and prevents it from cooking too quickly and scrambling when added to the hot sauce. Whisk until smooth.
- Combine Egg and Sauce: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot with the cheese sauce, whisking constantly to combine.
- Melt the Cheese: Add the grated cheddar cheese to the sauce, a little at a time, stirring until each addition is melted and the sauce is smooth and cheesy.
- Add Pasta: Add the drained, cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce.
- Combine and Serve or Bake: Stir until the pasta is evenly coated in the cheese sauce. At this point, you can serve it immediately for an ultra-creamy mac and cheese.
- Bake (Optional): For baked mac and cheese, pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but highly recommended for a golden crust!). Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
***Find the complete, printable recipe with detailed measurements at the bottom of this post.
Storing and Make-Ahead Tips for Mac and Cheese
Proper storage is key to enjoying leftovers of this Pioneer Woman mac and cheese recipe. Storing it in a covered container in the refrigerator is the best method. For easy grab-and-go lunches, I like to portion it out into single-serving containers.
If you’re short on fridge space and don’t want to store the entire casserole dish, transfer your Pioneer Woman mac and cheese to a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. As long as it’s protected from air, it will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator.
- Refrigerator Storage Time: When properly stored, this mac and cheese recipe will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
- Freezing Mac and Cheese: Yes, you can freeze Pioneer Woman mac and cheese! It freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prepping. You can freeze the entire dish or portion it into individual servings for easy lunches or quick meals for up to 1-2 months.
- Freezing Tip: To prevent sticking, lightly butter your baking dish or freezer-safe container before adding the mac and cheese. This will make it easier to remove once frozen. Freezer bags and vacuum sealers also work great for portioning and freezing.
- Make-Ahead Instructions: Preparing this Pioneer Woman mac and cheese ahead of time for an easy dinner is simple and offers several options. You can prepare the entire recipe up to the point of baking (or serving creamy), transfer it to a prepared baking dish, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake and serve.
- Food Safety: For more detailed information on food safety guidelines, you can check out resources like StillTasty.com.
Another time-saving tip is to cook the macaroni noodles in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make the cheese sauce. This can cut down on prep time when you’re ready to assemble the dish.
A plate of Pioneer Woman mac and cheese, highlighting its creamy texture and inviting appearance, garnished for serving.
Recipe Variations to Try
One of the beauties of mac and cheese is how easily you can customize it to your liking. While elbow macaroni is classic, feel free to use other pasta shapes like shells or spiral noodles. Experimenting with different cheese varieties is another fantastic way to personalize this Pioneer Woman mac and cheese recipe. As mentioned earlier, consider using a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
Adding herbs and spices is a simple way to elevate the flavor profile of your mac and cheese. Paprika, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne pepper can add warmth and depth. For a fun twist, try adding chopped hotdogs or crispy bacon bits – these are always a hit, especially with kids (and let’s be honest, bacon is a favorite for almost everyone!).
More Delicious Mac and Cheese Recipes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Pioneer Woman Mac And Cheese Recipe
This Pioneer Woman mac and cheese recipe delivers an incredibly thick and creamy texture with cheesy goodness that will excite everyone at the dinner table, from the youngest to the young at heart!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Author: Kathleen
Ingredients
- 4 cups dried macaroni
- 1 large whole egg, beaten
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 heaping teaspoons dry mustard (more if desired)
- 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt (more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional Spices:
- cayenne pepper
- paprika
- thyme
Optional Toppings:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- If baking, preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook pasta according to package directions in well-salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Beat the egg in a small mixing bowl and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Sprinkle flour evenly over the melted butter. Whisk together and cook for about 2 minutes or until the mixture becomes a nice golden color, whisking constantly. Don’t allow it to burn.
- Remove from heat, add milk and mustard, and whisk until smooth. Return to medium heat and bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring constantly, until sauce is thick, about 3-4 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
- Remove 1/4 cup of the sauce and slowly whisk it into the beaten egg, whisking constantly to avoid cooking eggs. Whisk together until smooth.
- Add the egg mixture to the sauce, whisking constantly. Stir in the cheese and stir until sauce cheese is melted. Add salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Add the drained pasta and stir until evenly combined.
- Serve immediately (for creamy mac and cheese) or pour into the prepared baking dish and top with additional 2 cups of shredded sharp cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Sprinkle top with fresh parsley and serve!
Fans Also Made:
Nutrition
Serving: 1/6 of the recipe | Calories: 965kcal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 31g | Cholesterol: 180mg | Sodium: 1219mg | Potassium: 472mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1690IU | Vitamin C: 1.7mg | Calcium: 960mg | Iron: 2.5mg
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Source: Ree Drummond
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