Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese. The name itself conjures images of comfort food at its finest – thick, creamy, and loaded with cheesy goodness. This recipe, popularized by Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. From picky eaters to discerning adults, everyone at the table will be clamoring for seconds of this ultimate mac and cheese.
What makes this particular mac and cheese recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. Using readily available ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that rivals any gourmet version. And the best part? You can have this comforting, cheesy masterpiece ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.
Macaroni and cheese is no longer just kid food. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit any palate and occasion. Whether you prefer a classic baked mac and cheese with a golden-brown crust or a stovetop version that’s intensely creamy, this Pioneer Woman recipe provides the perfect foundation for cheesy perfection.
If you are a mac and cheese enthusiast, you might also enjoy exploring variations like smoked gouda mac and cheese, the fun Chick Fil A mac and cheese copycat, the zesty green chile mac and cheese, or the incredibly easy crockpot mac and cheese.
But first, let’s dive into the recipe that started it all and discover why the Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese recipe is so beloved!
Why This Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese Recipe is a Must-Try
In a world overflowing with mac and cheese recipes, this Pioneer Woman version truly stands out. It’s not just another recipe; it’s an experience of pure cheesy delight. Imagine a rich, velvety cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked macaroni, topped with a golden, bubbly crust if you choose to bake it. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible.
What I personally adore about this recipe, and what I believe makes it a winner for families everywhere, are these key features:
- Quick and Convenient: Ready to devour in less than an hour, it’s a lifesaver on those hectic evenings when time is short, but the craving for comfort food is strong.
- Wholesome and Satisfying: Made with real ingredients like whole milk and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s a hearty and fulfilling meal that nourishes as it satisfies.
- Ultimate Creaminess: The secret lies in the roux-based cheese sauce, which ensures a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture that coats every strand of macaroni.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it straight from the pot for a super creamy experience, or bake it for a more structured casserole with a delightful golden crust. The choice is yours!
- Family-Friendly Favorite: From toddlers to grandparents, this mac and cheese recipe appeals to all age groups, making it a guaranteed hit at any family gathering.
- Perfect as a Main Course or Side Dish: Hearty enough to be the star of the meal, yet versatile enough to complement other dishes as a delicious side.
Pioneer Woman mac and cheese in a casserole dish
Ingredients You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese
The beauty of this Pioneer Woman mac and cheese recipe is its simplicity. You likely already have most, if not all, of these ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator. Here’s what you’ll need to create this cheesy masterpiece:
- Macaroni Pasta: 4 cups of dried elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but you can also experiment with other shapes like shells or cavatappi. Remember to cook it al dente to prevent mushiness in the final dish.
- Whole Milk: 2 ½ cups of whole milk is crucial for achieving that signature creamy texture. The higher fat content in whole milk creates a richer, more velvety sauce compared to lower-fat milk options.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 16 ounces of grated sharp cheddar cheese provides the quintessential mac and cheese flavor. Feel free to use your favorite brand of pre-shredded cheese or grate it fresh for optimal melting. For a bolder flavor, consider using extra sharp cheddar.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons of butter form the base of the roux, adding richness and flavor to the cheese sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup of all-purpose flour is essential for creating the roux, which thickens the milk and cheese into a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Egg: 1 large egg, beaten, adds richness and helps to bind the sauce, contributing to the overall creamy texture.
- Dry Mustard: 2 heaping teaspoons of dry mustard powder adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor that complements the cheese beautifully. Don’t skip this ingredient!
- Salt, Seasoned Salt, and Black Pepper: These seasonings are essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the mac and cheese. Adjust the amounts to your personal preference.
scooping Pioneer Woman mac and cheese
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese
Making this Pioneer Woman mac and cheese is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps to cheesy perfection:
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook 4 cups of elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Be sure to generously salt your pasta water – this seasons the pasta from the inside out. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare the Egg: In a small bowl, beat 1 large egg and set aside. This will be incorporated into the cheese sauce later for extra richness.
- Make the Roux: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, sprinkle ¼ cup of all-purpose flour evenly over the butter. Whisk constantly and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture turns a light golden color. This is your roux, the foundation of the creamy sauce.
- Add Milk and Mustard: Remove the pot from the heat and gradually whisk in 2 ½ cups of whole milk and 2 heaping teaspoons of dry mustard until smooth. Removing from heat first prevents the milk from scalding.
- Thicken the Sauce: Return the pot to medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Temper the Egg: Remove ¼ cup of the hot cheese sauce and slowly whisk it into the beaten egg in the small bowl. This process, called tempering, prevents the egg from scrambling when added to the hot sauce.
- Incorporate the Egg: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot with the cheese sauce, whisking constantly to combine.
- Melt the Cheese: Add 16 ounces of grated sharp cheddar cheese to the sauce, a little at a time, stirring until each addition is melted and the sauce is smooth and cheesy.
- Season to Perfection: Stir in ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of seasoned salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the drained, cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated in the luscious sauce.
- Bake (Optional): For baked mac and cheese, preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with an additional 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, if desired, for an extra cheesy crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot and creamy. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips for the Creamiest Mac and Cheese
Want to take your Pioneer Woman mac and cheese to the next level of creaminess? Here are a few helpful tips:
- Use Whole Milk: As mentioned before, whole milk is key to achieving the creamiest texture. Its higher fat content makes a significant difference in the richness of the sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is crucial. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and detract from the overall texture of the dish.
- Grate Your Own Cheese (Optional): While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly into the sauce because it lacks cellulose coating.
- Temper the Egg Properly: Tempering the egg is an important step to ensure it blends seamlessly into the hot sauce without scrambling. Take your time with this step.
- Adjust Cheese Types: While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a touch of Parmesan for added flavor complexity. A blend of cheeses can create a more nuanced flavor profile.
- Stovetop vs. Baked: For the ultimate creamy mac and cheese, serve it directly from the stovetop. Baking will create a firmer texture and a golden crust, which is also delicious but less intensely creamy.
Storing and Make-Ahead Instructions
Mac and cheese is often even more delicious the next day! Here’s how to properly store and prepare your Pioneer Woman mac and cheese in advance:
- Storing Leftovers: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. For single servings, portion it out into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
- Freezing Mac and Cheese: Yes, you can freeze mac and cheese! For best results, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1-2 months. Consider buttering the container beforehand to make removal easier. Freezer bags or vacuum sealers also work well. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Make-Ahead Tips: To get ahead for dinner, you can prepare the mac and cheese completely and store it in a baking dish in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it. You can also cook the macaroni in advance and store it separately in the fridge until you are ready to make the cheese sauce.
Pioneer Woman mac and cheese on a plate
Variations to Level Up Your Mac and Cheese
While the classic Pioneer Woman mac and cheese is perfect as is, feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking! Here are a few delicious variations to try:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herbaceous Delight: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the cheese sauce for added flavor and aroma.
- Bacon Mac and Cheese: Crispy bacon bits are a classic addition to mac and cheese. Stir cooked bacon into the finished dish or sprinkle it on top before baking.
- Lobster Mac and Cheese: For a truly decadent twist, add cooked lobster meat to the mac and cheese for a luxurious and impressive dish.
- Vegetable Boost: Sneak in some extra veggies by adding roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or peas to the mac and cheese.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Its creamy, cheesy goodness and ease of preparation make it a winner for any occasion. So gather your ingredients and get ready to experience mac and cheese perfection!
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Pioneer Woman Mac And Cheese Recipe
Pioneer Woman mac and cheese is renowned for its incredibly creamy texture and intense cheesy flavor, making it a delightful dish for both kids and adults!
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 9X13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Follow the pasta’s package instructions and cook pasta (4 cups), in well-salted water, until al dente. Drain. Set Aside.
- Beat the egg (1) in a small mixing bowl. Set aside.
- Melt butter (4 tablespoons) in a large pot, then evenly sprinkle the flour (1/4 cup) over the melted butter. Whisk together, over medium-low heat, 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 (2 1/2 cups) and mustard (2 heaping teaspoons), 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 beaten egg, whisking constantly to avoid cooking eggs. Whisk together till smooth.
- Add the egg mixture to the sauce, whisking constantly. Stir in the cheese (16 ounces) and stir until sauce cheese is melted. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and any of the optional seasonings. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings.
- Add the drained pasta and stir until evenly combined.
- Serve immediately (very creamy) or pour into the prepared baking dish, 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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