Mac and cheese. Just hearing the words conjures up images of creamy, cheesy goodness, a comforting dish that warms the soul. And when it comes to mac and cheese, the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, knows her stuff. Her recipe is legendary, often touted as the best ever, and for good reason. This isn’t just your average mac and cheese; it’s a rich, decadent, and utterly irresistible experience that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or simply satisfying a cheese craving.
This Pioneer Woman mac and cheese recipe takes the classic dish to a whole new level. It’s incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Forget those boxed versions; once you taste homemade mac and cheese like this, you’ll never go back. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof and delivers incredible results every time.
Why This Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese is a Must-Try
What makes this mac and cheese recipe so special? It’s all about the creamy cheese sauce. The recipe starts with a classic roux, a simple blend of butter and flour, which forms the base of a velvety smooth sauce. Whole milk and a generous amount of cheddar cheese (and Monterey Jack if you’re feeling adventurous!) are then whisked in, creating a cheese sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and perfectly coats every piece of macaroni.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. A touch of dry mustard adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cheese, while salt, pepper, and seasoned salt enhance the overall flavor profile. And for those who like a little extra depth, a pinch of cayenne pepper, paprika, or thyme can be added to customize the taste to your liking.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. Need a dish for a potluck? Done. A side dish for a weeknight dinner? Done. Kid-friendly comfort food? Done. Leftovers for lunch? Done and done! Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy schedules.
Make-Ahead Magic: Preparing Your Mac and Cheese in Advance
One of the great things about this Pioneer Woman mac and cheese recipe is that you can easily prepare it ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking (or serving creamy). Then, instead of baking, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the plastic wrap, add any desired toppings like extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through, especially if it’s straight from the fridge. This make-ahead option is a lifesaver for holidays or gatherings when you want to get ahead on meal prep.
Cheese Variations: Customize Your Mac and Cheese
While cheddar cheese is the star of the show in this Pioneer Woman mac and cheese recipe, don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses to create your own signature blend. Monterey Jack is a fantastic addition, adding a creamy melt and mild flavor. For a sharper taste, try adding some Gruyere or sharp cheddar. If you like a bit of a kick, pepper jack would be a great choice.
Consider using a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile. A combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a touch of Parmesan would be delicious. Or, for a smoky flavor, try adding a bit of smoked Gouda. The possibilities are endless! Get creative and find your family’s favorite cheese combination.
Choosing the Right Baking Dish
The size of your baking dish can affect the cooking time and the topping-to-mac and cheese ratio. The Pioneer Woman recipe works well in a 13×9 inch baking dish, which allows for a generous layer of mac and cheese and plenty of surface area for a cheesy or breadcrumb topping.
However, any casserole dish that is 3 quarts or larger will work just fine. If you use a smaller dish, the mac and cheese will be thicker and may require a slightly longer baking time. Conversely, a larger dish will result in a thinner layer that may cook a bit faster.
Dietary Adaptations: Vegan and Gluten-Free Options
Mac and cheese is a universally loved dish, and dietary restrictions shouldn’t exclude anyone from enjoying it. Fortunately, this Pioneer Woman mac and cheese recipe can be easily adapted to be both vegan and gluten-free.
For a vegan mac and cheese, you can substitute vegan butter and plant-based milk (like almond milk or oat milk) for the dairy ingredients. Nutritional yeast can be added to the cheese sauce to give it a cheesy flavor. There are also many vegan cheese shreds available on the market that melt well and can be used in place of traditional cheddar cheese.
For a gluten-free mac and cheese, simply use gluten-free macaroni pasta and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux. These simple swaps ensure that everyone can enjoy a delicious and comforting bowl of mac and cheese, regardless of dietary needs.
Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese Recipe: Step-by-Step
Ready to make the best mac and cheese you’ve ever tasted? Here’s the Pioneer Woman’s mac and cheese recipe:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 cups uncooked macaroni
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk (or plant-based milk)
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard
- 1 pound cheddar cheese, shredded (plus Monterey Jack or other cheeses, optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional spices: cayenne pepper, paprika, thyme, garlic salt
Instructions:
- Cook the macaroni: Cook macaroni according to package directions until very firm (almost undercooked). Drain well.
- Prepare the egg: In a small bowl, beat the egg.
- Make the roux: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-low heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 5 minutes to create a roux. Do not let it burn.
- Create the cheese sauce: Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Add dry mustard and continue whisking. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens significantly. Reduce heat to low.
- Temper the egg: Take 1/4 cup of the hot cheese sauce and slowly drizzle it into the beaten egg, whisking constantly to temper the egg and prevent it from cooking too quickly.
- Combine egg and sauce: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot with the cheese sauce, whisking constantly until smooth.
- Melt the cheese: Add shredded cheddar cheese (and any other cheeses you are using) to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth.
- Season: Stir in salt, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Taste the sauce and add more salt and seasoned salt as needed. Don’t undersalt! Add any optional spices if desired.
- Combine macaroni and sauce: Pour the drained, cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir to combine until all the macaroni is evenly coated.
- Serve or bake: For creamy mac and cheese, serve immediately. For baked mac and cheese, pour the mixture into a buttered baking dish, top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs if desired, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Gluten-Free Instructions:
- Use gluten-free macaroni pasta.
- Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux.
Video:
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Notes:
- Adjust mustard to your preference. Some people prefer less mustard, while others enjoy a stronger mustard flavor.
- Garlic salt is a delicious addition for extra flavor.
- Don’t overcook the macaroni; it should be firm as it will continue to cook in the cheese sauce or oven.
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Inspired by Pioneer Woman (Ree Drummond)
Conclusion: Your Go-To Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Pioneer Woman mac and cheese recipe is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. It’s the creamy, cheesy comfort food you crave, elevated to perfection with simple techniques and quality ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing event, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. So, ditch the boxed stuff and embrace the homemade goodness of Pioneer Woman mac and cheese. Your taste buds will thank you!
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