Pioneer Woman Cooks Macaroni and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Dive into a world of creamy, cheesy delight with Pioneer Woman Macaroni and Cheese, a timeless classic elevated to perfection. This isn’t just any mac and cheese; it’s a rich, decadent, and utterly satisfying dish that will become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re craving the ultimate comfort food or searching for a crowd-pleasing recipe for your next gathering, this Pioneer Woman Cooks Macaroni And Cheese recipe is guaranteed to be a resounding success. Prepare to indulge in a taste of home-style goodness that the whole family will adore, and discover why this recipe is a beloved favorite for generations.

Why This Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese Recipe is a Must-Try

What sets Pioneer Woman’s mac and cheese apart from the rest? It’s the luscious, velvety cheese sauce that envelops every elbow of macaroni, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that dance on your palate. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. The secret lies in the carefully crafted cheese sauce, enhanced with a hint of mustard powder that provides a delightful tangy counterpoint to the rich cheese.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. The inclusion of an egg in the sauce is a game-changer, resulting in an unbelievably creamy texture that you won’t find in ordinary mac and cheese recipes. If you haven’t tried mac and cheese with egg before, prepare to be amazed! For those who crave an extra layer of cheesy indulgence, there’s even an option to bake it to golden-brown perfection, creating a delightful crust that adds another dimension to this already incredible dish.

While convenient boxed mac and cheese has its place, especially in a pinch, nothing compares to the homemade goodness of this recipe. Pioneer Woman cooks macaroni and cheese with a touch of love and simple, wholesome ingredients that transform into something truly special. This recipe is not just scrumptious and satisfying; it’s destined to become your go-to for potlucks, cozy family dinners, and festive holiday celebrations. And you can be confident that it will receive enthusiastic approval from everyone, especially the kids!

A serving spoon with a scoop of mac and cheese in a large pot.

Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Mac and Cheese

The beauty of Pioneer Woman cooks macaroni and cheese lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture:

Elbow Macaroni: The quintessential pasta for mac and cheese, elbow macaroni’s curved shape and ridges are ideal for capturing and holding onto that luscious cheese sauce. While classic elbow macaroni is recommended, you can experiment with other small pasta shapes with similar textures, such as shells or cavatappi, if desired. The key is to choose a pasta that will effectively embrace the creamy sauce.
Egg: This seemingly unexpected ingredient is the secret to the ultra-creamy texture of this mac and cheese. The egg acts as an emulsifier, binding the sauce together and creating a richness that is simply unparalleled.
Butter and Flour: These two form the foundation of the cheese sauce, creating a roux. The roux is essential for thickening the milk and ensuring a smooth, velvety consistency, free from any graininess.
Milk: The liquid component of the cheese sauce, milk brings everything together, adding creaminess and richness. Whole milk is recommended for the most decadent result, but reduced-fat milk can be used as a lighter alternative, though it may slightly alter the final texture and richness.
Dry Mustard: A seemingly small addition, dry mustard is a flavor powerhouse in this recipe. It provides a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the cheese and dairy, adding complexity and depth to the overall flavor profile. This touch of tanginess prevents the mac and cheese from being overly heavy or one-dimensional.
Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Cheddar cheese is the classic choice for mac and cheese due to its excellent melting properties and its signature sharp, savory flavor. For the best results, use freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese. You can also explore cheese combinations to customize the flavor. Gruyere, known for its nutty and slightly sweet notes, Colby, a mild and creamy cheese, and Monterey Jack, a semi-hard cheese with a mild, buttery flavor, are all excellent choices to blend with cheddar, creating a more nuanced cheese sauce.
Salt, Seasoned Salt, and Pepper: These seasonings are essential for enhancing and balancing the flavors of the cheese sauce. Salt and pepper are fundamental for bringing out the inherent flavors of the ingredients, while seasoned salt adds an extra layer of savory depth. Adjust the seasonings to your personal preference, ensuring that the final dish is perfectly seasoned to your taste.

The labeled ingredients for pioneer woman mac and cheese.

Step-by-Step Guide to Pioneer Woman’s Mac and Cheese Perfection

Making Pioneer Woman cooks macaroni and cheese is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps to create mac and cheese that will impress every time:

1. Getting Started: Cooking the Macaroni

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt to the water seasons the pasta as it cooks, enhancing its flavor in the final dish.
Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni to the pot. Cook according to package directions until the pasta is al dente, meaning it’s cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite. If you plan to bake the mac and cheese, it’s crucial to slightly undercook the pasta at this stage, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Once cooked, drain the macaroni thoroughly using a colander. Rinsing the pasta with warm water after draining is optional but can help to stop the cooking process and prevent stickiness. Set the cooked pasta aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.

2. Crafting the Creamy Cheese Sauce: The Roux and Beyond

In a separate small bowl, prepare the egg by beating it with a fork until it is smooth and well combined. Set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely and shimmer slightly.
Once the butter is melted, sprinkle the flour evenly over the melted butter. This is the start of the roux, the thickening agent for the cheese sauce.
Cook the butter and flour mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously with a whisk. This step is crucial for cooking out the raw flour taste and creating a smooth base for the sauce. Be careful not to brown the roux excessively; you want it to remain pale and creamy.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Whisking is essential to ensure that the milk incorporates smoothly into the roux and prevents lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
Add the dry mustard to the milk mixture and continue whisking to combine. The dry mustard will infuse its tangy flavor into the sauce as it simmers.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching on the bottom of the pan. Simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Once thickened, reduce the heat to low to keep the sauce warm while you temper the egg.

Beating an egg in a small mixing bowl with a fork.

Melting butter in a sauce pan then adding in flour.

Adding dry mustard and milk to the completed roux then simmering.

3. Tempering the Egg and Creating the Cheese Sauce

Tempering the egg is a crucial step to prevent it from scrambling when added to the hot cheese sauce. Take about 1/4 cup of the hot cheese sauce and slowly drizzle it into the beaten egg while whisking constantly and vigorously. This gradually raises the temperature of the egg and prevents it from curdling when added to the rest of the hot sauce.
Once the egg mixture is warmed and smooth, slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cheese sauce, whisking constantly. Continue whisking until the egg is fully incorporated into the sauce and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Adding thickened sauce to the beaten egg.

4. Melting the Cheese and Combining

Reduce the heat to low and add the grated cheddar cheese to the sauce, a little at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce before adding more. This gradual addition ensures a smooth and evenly melted cheese sauce.
Stir in the salt, seasoned salt, and pepper. Mix well to distribute the seasonings throughout the cheese sauce.
Taste the cheese sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, seasoned salt, or pepper to your preference.

Adding cheddar cheese and spices to the sauce pan and mixing until melted.

5. Combining Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Add the cooked macaroni to the saucepan with the cheese sauce.
Stir gently but thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy cheese sauce. Ensure that every elbow of macaroni is generously coated in the decadent sauce.

Adding the cooked macaroni to a the pot and mixing.

6. Optional Baking for Extra Golden Goodness

For baked mac and cheese, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased casserole dish. A 9×13 inch baking dish is typically a good size.
If desired, top with additional shredded cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is heated through, bubbly, and the topping is melted and golden brown.
Let it cool slightly before serving.

A fully cooked Pioneer woman mac and cheese dish inside of a pot.

Pro Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese

To ensure your Pioneer Woman cooks macaroni and cheese is always a triumph, consider these expert tips:

Gradually Add Milk for a Smooth Sauce: When making the cheese sauce, gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously. This technique is crucial for preventing lumps and ensuring a silky smooth sauce base that will perfectly incorporate the cheese.
Use Freshly Grated, High-Quality Cheese: For the best flavor and texture, always use high-quality, freshly grated cheeses. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain cellulose and other anti-caking agents that can hinder melting and result in a grainy or less smooth cheese sauce. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and contributes superior flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the macaroni al dente, especially if you plan to bake the mac and cheese. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the final dish. Al dente pasta will hold its shape and texture beautifully.
Bring Cheese to Room Temperature: While not strictly necessary, allowing your grated cheese to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before adding it to the sauce can help it melt more smoothly and evenly.
Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Taste the cheese sauce before combining it with the pasta and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra salt, seasoned salt, or pepper to enhance the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese?

While sharp cheddar is the quintessential choice for mac and cheese, don’t hesitate to experiment with cheese combinations to create your own signature flavor profile. Beyond cheddar, Gruyere adds a nutty and slightly sweet dimension, Colby offers a mild creaminess, and Monterey Jack contributes a buttery, mellow flavor. A blend of sharp cheddar with one or two of these other cheeses can create a more complex and nuanced cheese sauce. Consider using a mix of cheeses to achieve your perfect balance of flavor and meltability.

Should I Use Pre-Shredded Cheese?

It is highly recommended to use freshly grated cheese for Pioneer Woman cooks macaroni and cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses are typically coated with cellulose, a plant fiber, to prevent clumping. While this is convenient, cellulose can interfere with melting, potentially resulting in a grainy or less smooth texture in your cheese sauce. Freshly grated cheese melts much more seamlessly into the sauce, resulting in a superior creamy texture and flavor.

Why Add Egg to Mac and Cheese?

The addition of an egg to mac and cheese might seem unusual, but it’s a key ingredient for achieving an exceptionally creamy and rich sauce. The egg acts as an emulsifier, binding the fats and liquids in the cheese sauce together, creating a stable and incredibly smooth emulsion. This results in a cheese sauce that is not only luxuriously creamy but also less likely to separate or become greasy. The egg also adds a subtle richness and depth of flavor to the overall dish.

Can I Customize This Recipe?

Absolutely! One of the great things about Pioneer Woman cooks macaroni and cheese is its versatility. Feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking. You can easily add vegetables like steamed broccoli florets, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. Cooked proteins such as crispy bacon crumbles, shredded chicken, or ham can transform it into a heartier main dish. For added texture, consider topping it with buttery breadcrumbs before baking. If you enjoy a touch of heat, a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added to the cheese sauce for a subtle kick. The possibilities are endless – make it your own!

Mac and cheese plated next to a pot full of cooked macaroni.

Make-Ahead, Slow Cooker, and Freezer Instructions

Make-Ahead Instructions:

Pioneer Woman cooks macaroni and cheese is a great dish to prepare in advance. To make ahead, follow the recipe as instructed up to the point of baking (if baking). Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely in a buttered baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top, cover tightly with foil, and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake, covered, for 25-35 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. You may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time since it’s starting from cold.

Slow Cooker Instructions:

For a hands-off approach, you can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Prepare the cheese sauce on the stovetop as directed. Cook the macaroni al dente and drain. Combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce in your slow cooker. Set it to LOW and cook for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and creates an ultra-creamy texture. Be sure to monitor it to prevent overcooking and drying out.

Freezer Instructions:

Yes, you can freeze unbaked Pioneer Woman cooks macaroni and cheese for future enjoyment. Prepare the mac and cheese as instructed, but do not bake it. Let it cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Bake according to the baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through. Baking from frozen is not recommended as it can affect the texture.

A close up shot showing how thick the cheesy sauce is.

Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Comfort Meal

Pioneer Woman cooks macaroni and cheese is incredibly satisfying on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a complete and balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside:

Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots offer a healthy and flavorful side.
Steamed Green Beans: Steamed green beans, lightly seasoned, are a classic and complementary side dish.
Grilled Chicken or BBQ: For a heartier meal, pair mac and cheese with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or pulled pork.
Slow Cooker Green Beans: As mentioned in the original article, slow cooker green beans are an excellent pairing, offering a flavorful and tender vegetable side.

An overhead shot of mac and cheese plated with a fork to the side.

A side shot of gooey mac and cheese on a blue plate.

Mac And Cheese Recipes & Keep In Touch

Craving more cheesy pasta goodness? Explore a world of mac and cheese variations and pasta recipes to expand your culinary repertoire!

We love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and creations of this Pioneer Woman cooks macaroni and cheese recipe in the comments below or tag us on social media!

Pin this recipe for later!

A Pinterest pin image with a picture of pioneer woman mac and cheese, with title text at the top.

Recipe Card

Jump to Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

4 cups elbow macaroni
1 egg
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk
2 heaping teaspoons dry mustard
1 pound freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese*
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt (plus more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional spices (cayenne pepper, paprika, and/or thyme)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions (if you plan to do the optional bake time, the pasta needs to be very al dente). Once it’s done cooking, drain it through a colander, and rinse.
Add the egg to a small bowl, then beat it.
Heat a large saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and mix to create a roux. Cook the roux for 2 minutes while stirring to prevent burning.
While constantly whisking, pour in the milk and sprinkle in the mustard powder. Continue whisking occasionally while you simmer it until the sauce is very thick (about 5 minutes). Once thickened, reduce the heat to low.
Take 1/4 cup of thickened sauce and slowly add it to the beaten egg while constantly whisking to prevent the egg from scrambling. Once smooth, slowly pour the egg mixture into the sauce while whisking constantly (it’s important to add it slowly so that the egg whites don’t curdle).
Once the egg is incorporated into the sauce, add the shredded cheese, salt, seasoned salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted. Taste the cheese sauce and add more salt and seasoned salt to taste.
Add in the cooked macaroni, and stir to coat it with the sauce.
Optional: If you want baked mac and cheese, you can transfer it to a greased casserole dish. Top it with more cheddar cheese, then bake it for 20 to 25 minutes in a 350F oven.

Notes

*It’s important to use freshly grated cheese. Pre-grated cheeses are coated in an anti-caking agent that makes the texture gritty after it melts.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

1/6 Amount Per Serving: Calories: 769Total Fat: 38.3gCarbohydrates: 72.2gFiber: 2.9gSugar: 7.8gProtein: 32.7g

Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

Tag @KeyToMyLime on Instagram so we can see your delicious meal!

You’re now ready to create this incredible Pioneer Woman cooks macaroni and cheese recipe. Get ready for smiles and requests for seconds – it’s that good!