Pioneer Woman Mac And Cheese is famous for its incredibly rich, creamy texture and deeply satisfying cheesy flavor. This macaroni and cheese recipe, inspired by the Pioneer Woman herself, Ree Drummond, has become a family favorite for good reason. It’s a dish that excites everyone, from the pickiest eaters to those with the heartiest appetites.
This Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese recipe is a go-to dinner option because it’s both satisfying and straightforward. Even better, you can have this delicious mac and cheese ready on the table in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Macaroni and cheese isn’t just for kids anymore! There’s a world of mac and cheese variations out there to suit every palate and occasion. Whether you prefer a classic baked mac and cheese or a quick stovetop version, there’s a perfect cheesy recipe to bring comfort and joy to your meal.
If you’re looking to explore more cheesy pasta dishes, why not try our smoked gouda mac and cheese, a fun copycat Chick Fil A mac and cheese, green chile mac and cheese, or an incredibly easy crockpot mac and cheese?
But first, let’s dive into what makes this Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese so special and discover why it deserves all the praise!
What Makes This Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese Recipe a Must-Try?
Let’s face it, the internet is overflowing with mac and cheese recipes, but this Pioneer Woman version truly stands out. It’s all about that luxurious, creamy cheese sauce, generously coating perfectly cooked macaroni, and topped with a golden-brown, bubbly layer that hints at the gooey, cheesy goodness waiting underneath.
What I especially love is that this is a comforting, classic dish that appeals to all ages! It’s a recipe that’s both timeless and utterly satisfying.
Here are a few more reasons to love this recipe:
- Quick and Convenient: Ready to eat in less than an hour.
- Wholesome Comfort Food: A satisfying and hearty meal.
- Unbelievably Cheesy and Gooey: The ultimate texture and flavor combination.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or a side dish.
- Flexible for Serving: Enjoy it creamy or baked.
- Hearty and Filling: Satisfies even the biggest appetites.
Pioneer Woman mac and cheese in a casserole dish
A delicious casserole dish filled with Pioneer Woman mac and cheese, showcasing its golden brown top and creamy texture.
Tips for the Creamiest Mac and Cheese Recipe
One of the great things about this Pioneer Woman mac and cheese recipe is the flexibility in how you serve it. You have options! If you desire an ultra-creamy and intensely rich mac and cheese experience, you can serve it immediately after combining the pasta and cheese sauce. This method delivers maximum creaminess.
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 bubbling hot and the cheese on top is beautifully golden brown. Both ways are absolutely delicious! Personally, I find myself enjoying this creamy mac and cheese in both forms.
Sometimes, I can’t resist sneaking a bowl straight from the pot while I’m transferring the mac and cheese to the baking dish. It’s the perfect way to enjoy it both creamy and baked! (Of course, it’s also important to taste-test to ensure it’s perfectly creamy and flavorful before baking.)
This is a substantial recipe that comfortably serves 6-8 people. It’s not your average boxed mac and cheese – this is a genuinely savory, creamy mac and cheese that’s hearty enough to be the star of the dinner table!
Pro-Tip: This incredible cheese sauce isn’t limited to pasta! Try spooning it over steamed broccoli or cauliflower to make veggies more appealing to kids (and adults!).
Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese
- Whole Milk: The secret to the velvety smooth texture of this Pioneer Woman mac and cheese is using whole milk. With just over three percent fat, whole milk provides the richness and moist consistency that lower-fat milks simply can’t replicate. It’s essential for that signature creamy sauce.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The recipe calls for 16 ounces of grated sharp cheddar cheese, which provides a robust and classic mac and cheese flavor. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite shredded cheeses! Colby cheese or mozzarella cheese are also popular choices and will melt beautifully into the sauce.
- Elbow Macaroni Pasta: For the best texture, be sure to cook your elbow macaroni al dente. This means cooking it until it’s just cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy once it’s coated in the cheese sauce and baked. Generously salting your pasta water is also crucial – it seasons the pasta from the inside out, adding another layer of flavor even before you add the cheese sauce.
scooping Pioneer Woman mac and cheese
A close-up shot of creamy Pioneer Woman mac and cheese being scooped, highlighting the texture and cheesy goodness.
Step-by-Step Guide: 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 aside.
- Make the Roux: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the melted butter. Whisk constantly and cook for about 2 minutes, until the roux (butter and flour mixture) turns a light golden color. Be careful not to burn it.
- Create the Cheese Sauce Base: Remove the pot from the heat and gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring a smooth sauce. Add the dry mustard. Return the pot to medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Reduce the heat to low.
- Temper the Egg: Take ¼ cup of the hot cheese sauce and slowly drizzle it into the beaten egg, whisking constantly. This process, called tempering, prevents the egg from scrambling when added to the hot sauce. Whisk until smooth.
- Combine Egg and Cheese Sauce: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot with the remaining cheese sauce, whisking constantly to combine.
- Melt the Cheese: Add the grated cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the Sauce: Season the cheese sauce with salt, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated in the luscious cheese sauce.
- Bake (Optional): For baked mac and cheese, pour the mac and cheese mixture into a prepared baking dish. Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese (optional).
- Bake (Optional): Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly, and the mac and cheese is heated through.
***See the complete recipe card below for detailed measurements and instructions.
Storing and Make-Ahead Tips for Mac and Cheese
Proper storage is key to keeping your Pioneer Woman mac and cheese delicious for days. Storing it in a covered container in the refrigerator is the best method. For easy grab-and-go lunches or single servings, divide the mac and cheese into individual portions before refrigerating.
If you’re short on fridge space and don’t want to store the whole casserole dish, transfer the Pioneer Woman mac and cheese to a 1-gallon Ziploc bag. As long as it’s protected from air, it will stay fresh and tasty in the fridge.
- How Long Does Mac and Cheese Last in the Fridge? When properly stored, this mac and cheese recipe will stay good in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
- Can You Freeze Mac and Cheese? Yes! Pioneer Woman mac and cheese freezes remarkably well. You can freeze the entire baked dish or portion it out into single servings for convenient 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 after freezing. Freezer bags and vacuum sealers also work great for portioning and freezing.
- Make-Ahead Instructions: Preparing this Pioneer Woman mac and cheese in advance for an easy dinner is simple, offering several options. You can prepare the entire dish, place it in a baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, you can make the cheese sauce and cook the pasta separately ahead of time, storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to combine and bake or serve.
- Food Safety Note: For comprehensive information on food safety guidelines, refer to resources like this link.
You can also save time by cooking the macaroni noodles in advance and storing them in the refrigerator until you are ready to prepare the cheese sauce. Just toss them with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Pioneer Woman mac and cheese on a plate
A single serving of Pioneer Woman mac and cheese plated, showcasing its creamy texture and inviting appearance.
Recipe Variations to Try
One of the joys of homemade mac and cheese is how easily you can customize it! Many people like to make Pioneer Woman mac and cheese with different pasta shapes, such as shells or spiral pasta. Experimenting with a blend of cheeses is another fantastic way to change up the flavor profile, as mentioned earlier.
Adding different herbs and spices is also a great way to customize your mac and cheese. Consider incorporating paprika, thyme, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. For a heartier meal, try adding chopped hotdogs or crispy bacon bits. Bacon is almost always a crowd-pleaser!
More Delicious Mac and Cheese Recipes
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Pioneer Woman Mac And Cheese Recipe
Pioneer Woman mac and cheese: a rich, creamy, and incredibly cheesy dish that brings joy to every meal!
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
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 2 heaping teaspoons dry mustard (add more to taste)
- 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- ½ teaspoon salt (add more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt (add more to taste)
- ½ 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 grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook pasta (4 cups) according to package directions in well-salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Beat egg (1) in a small bowl and set aside.
- Melt butter (4 tablespoons) in a large pot over medium-low heat. Sprinkle flour (¼ cup) evenly over melted butter. Whisk constantly and cook for 2 minutes, or until golden. Do not burn.
- Remove from heat, add milk (2 ½ cups) and mustard (2 heaping teaspoons), and whisk until smooth. Return to medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens (3-4 minutes). Reduce heat to low.
- Remove ¼ cup of sauce and slowly whisk into beaten egg, whisking constantly to temper the egg. Whisk until smooth.
- Add egg mixture to the sauce, whisking constantly. Stir in cheese (16 ounces) and stir until melted. Add ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and optional seasonings. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Add drained pasta and stir to combine.
- Serve immediately for creamy mac and cheese, or pour into baking dish and top with additional 2 cups of shredded sharp cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Sprinkle with 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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