This Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese recipe is your ticket to a bowl of intensely cheesy, smooth, and utterly comforting goodness. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for classic comfort food, this mac and cheese is guaranteed to be a hit. Whether you prefer the ease of a stovetop version or the delightful crust of a baked mac and cheese, this recipe delivers exceptional results both ways!
Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese: A Cheese Lover’s Dream
If you’re serious about cheese, Pioneer Woman’s mac and cheese is designed to satisfy your deepest cravings. It’s brimming with a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth cheese sauce, subtly elevated with a touch of mustard powder for a delightful tang that cuts through the richness.
The secret to its incredible creaminess? An egg, blended into the sauce to create an unparalleled smooth texture. If you haven’t tried mac and cheese made with egg before, you’re in for a treat! For those who adore an extra layer of cheesy indulgence, an optional baking step creates a perfectly golden, bubbly topping.
As a dedicated mac and cheese enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that surpass the ordinary. While boxed mac and cheese has its place (and let’s be honest, sometimes hits the spot!), homemade versions like this Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese are in a different league entirely. This recipe easily rivals even doctored-up boxed versions, like this recipe for How to Make Kraft Mac and Cheese Better.
Trust me, this mac and cheese is genuinely exceptional. It’s so delicious and satisfying, it’s destined to become your new go-to recipe for every occasion, from casual family meals to festive holiday gatherings. And you can take my word for it – this recipe earns enthusiastic approval from kids and adults alike!
While you’re exploring comforting classics, don’t miss out on other fantastic Pioneer Woman recipes. Her chocolate pie and scalloped potatoes and ham are also absolute winners in my book.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Mac and Cheese
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a mac and cheese that’s anything but ordinary. You might even consider adding evaporated milk to further enhance the creaminess, although this recipe is already incredibly rich without it!
- Elbow Macaroni: Classic elbow macaroni is perfect for mac and cheese, but feel free to experiment with other small pasta shapes that have ridges and curves to capture that luscious cheese sauce. Shell pasta or cavatappi would also work beautifully. The pasta’s shape is key to holding onto the creamy cheese sauce and ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Egg: This is the secret ingredient for ultimate creaminess! Adding an egg to the cheese sauce creates a richer, smoother texture that’s simply irresistible. For those seeking an even richer flavor, some mac and cheese recipes incorporate evaporated milk alongside or instead of an egg, but this Pioneer Woman version uses egg to achieve its signature creamy texture.
- Butter and All-Purpose Flour: These two are the foundation of the cheese sauce. They come together to create a roux, which acts as a thickening agent, ensuring your sauce is perfectly smooth and not grainy.
- Whole Milk: Milk is the liquid backbone of the cheese sauce, blending with the roux to create a creamy, rich base. While whole milk is recommended for maximum richness, you can use reduced-fat milk if you prefer, though it will slightly affect the final creaminess. Some recipes might use evaporated milk in place of some or all of the milk for an even denser and richer sauce.
- Dry Mustard: Don’t underestimate the power of dry mustard! It adds a subtle tang that beautifully balances the richness of the cheese sauce. This slight sharpness elevates the overall flavor profile and prevents the mac and cheese from being overly heavy.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is the star of the show, providing that classic mac and cheese flavor we all know and love. Its excellent melting properties ensure a smooth, gooey sauce. Feel free to mix it up with other cheeses like Gruyere for nuttiness, Colby for mildness, or Monterey Jack for extra meltiness. A combination of cheeses can add layers of flavor to your mac and cheese.
- Salt, Seasoned Salt, and Black Pepper: These seasonings are essential for bringing out the best in the cheese and dairy. They provide depth and complexity, ensuring the mac and cheese is perfectly balanced and flavorful.
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A neatly arranged display of labeled ingredients for Pioneer Woman mac and cheese, highlighting the fresh and simple components.]
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman’s Mac and Cheese
This recipe is surprisingly simple to make, bringing homemade comfort food within easy reach. While some mac and cheese recipes call for evaporated milk to simplify the sauce, this Pioneer Woman recipe builds a classic roux-based sauce that is well worth the minimal effort.
1. Cook the Pasta Perfectly: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until it’s al dente, following the package directions closely. Al dente pasta will hold its shape better in the cheese sauce, especially if you plan to bake the mac and cheese. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it briefly with warm water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside. (Find the detailed, printable recipe card below.)
2. Prepare the Egg: In a small bowl, crack the egg and whisk it until it’s smooth and slightly frothy. This ensures it will incorporate seamlessly into the cheese sauce.
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A hand whisking an egg in a small, clear mixing bowl with a fork, demonstrating the simple preparation step.]
3. Create the Roux: In a large saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Once melted, sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the butter. Whisk constantly to combine the butter and flour into a smooth roux. Cook the roux for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously, to cook out the raw flour taste and create a lightly golden base. Be careful not to let it burn.
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Butter melting in a saucepan, followed by the addition of flour to create the base roux for the cheese sauce.]
4. Build the Cheese Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium-low. While whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming, slowly pour in the whole milk. Continue whisking until the milk is fully incorporated into the roux and the mixture is smooth. Sprinkle in the dry mustard powder and continue to whisk to distribute it evenly. Let the sauce simmer gently, whisking occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low once thickened.
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Dry mustard and milk being added to the roux in a saucepan and stirred, initiating the creamy cheese sauce formation.]
5. Temper the Egg: Tempering the egg is crucial to prevent it from scrambling when added to the hot sauce. Take about 1/4 cup of the hot cheese sauce and slowly drizzle it into the beaten egg, whisking constantly and vigorously to warm the egg gradually. Once the egg mixture is smooth and warmed, slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cheese sauce, whisking constantly to incorporate it smoothly. Continue to whisk for about a minute to ensure the egg is fully integrated and the sauce is silky smooth. Avoid boiling at this stage to prevent curdling.
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Thickened cheese sauce being slowly added to a bowl with a beaten egg, demonstrating the tempering process.]
6. Melt in the Cheese and Season: Add the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese to the sauce in batches, stirring continuously until each batch is completely melted and incorporated before adding more. This ensures a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce. Once all the cheese is melted, stir in the kosher salt, seasoned salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly. Taste the cheese sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt or seasoned salt to your preference.
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Shredded cheddar cheese and spices being added to the cheese sauce in a saucepan and mixed until melted and smooth.]
7. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the luscious cheese sauce. Ensure every piece of macaroni is generously coated in cheesy goodness.
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Cooked macaroni being added to the saucepan with cheese sauce and mixed to combine, creating the final mac and cheese dish.]
8. Optional Baking Step for Extra Cheesiness: For a baked mac and cheese with a golden, bubbly crust, transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased casserole dish. You can top it with additional shredded cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy topping, if desired. Follow the baking instructions in the recipe card below to bake until heated through and the topping is golden brown and bubbly. Refer to the recipe card below for complete written instructions, including precise ingredient measurements, cooking times, and helpful tips.
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A pot filled with perfectly cooked Pioneer Woman mac and cheese, showcasing its creamy texture and cheesy goodness.]
Pro Tips for Perfect Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese
- Smooth Sauce Secrets: To guarantee a perfectly smooth and lump-free cheese sauce, the key is to add the milk gradually while whisking continuously. This technique ensures the roux and milk emulsify properly, creating a stable and smooth sauce base that will readily incorporate the cheeses.
- Freshly Grated Cheese is Best: For the most flavorful and best-textured cheese sauce, always use high-quality, freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with cellulose and other anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting and result in a slightly grainy or gritty texture in your sauce. Grating your own cheese ensures optimal meltability and flavor.
Choosing the Best Cheese for Macaroni and Cheese
While sharp cheddar is the undisputed classic choice for mac and cheese, don’t hesitate to explore cheese combinations to deepen the flavor profile. Gruyere, with its nutty and slightly sweet notes, Colby for a mild and creamy melt, or Monterey Jack for its exceptional meltiness, are all excellent choices to blend with cheddar. Experimenting with different cheeses can elevate your mac and cheese to new heights.
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Pre-Shredded Cheese: To Use or Not to Use?
While convenient, pre-shredded cheese is generally not recommended for mac and cheese. As mentioned earlier, pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents to prevent clumping in the bag. These agents can interfere with the melting process, sometimes leading to a grainy or less smooth cheese sauce. For the best texture and melt, opt for freshly grated cheese.
The Role of Eggs in Creamy Mac and Cheese
The inclusion of an egg in this Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese recipe is what truly sets it apart and contributes to its exceptional creaminess. Eggs act as an emulsifier and binder in the cheese sauce, creating a richer, thicker, and more stable sauce. The egg adds a subtle richness and helps prevent the sauce from separating, resulting in a velvety smooth texture that coats the pasta beautifully. While some recipes use evaporated milk for richness, the egg is the key ingredient here.
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Mac and cheese plated elegantly next to a pot of cooked macaroni, showcasing its creamy texture and inviting presentation.]
Customizing Your Mac and Cheese: Add-Ins and Variations
One of the great things about mac and cheese is its versatility! Feel free to get creative and add extra ingredients to customize this recipe to your taste. Consider stirring in cooked vegetables like steamed broccoli florets, peas, or roasted vegetables for added nutrition and flavor. Cooked proteins such as crispy bacon bits, shredded chicken, or crumbled sausage can transform this into a heartier meal. For a textural contrast, top with buttery breadcrumbs before baking for a delightful crunch. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper stirred into the cheese sauce will add a pleasant kick.
Make-Ahead Mac and Cheese Instructions
Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for potlucks or busy weeknights. However, keep in mind that it might be slightly less creamy when made ahead of time, as pasta tends to absorb sauce as it sits. To compensate, you can slightly increase the sauce quantity or reduce the amount of pasta used if preparing ahead.
To make ahead: Prepare the mac and cheese recipe as instructed up to the baking step (if baking). Let it cool completely in a buttered baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top, cover tightly with foil, and store in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while your oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). Bake, covered, for 25-35 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. If desired, uncover during the last 5-10 minutes to brown the cheese topping.
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A close-up shot highlighting the thick and cheesy sauce of the mac and cheese, emphasizing its rich and creamy texture.]
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Adaptation
For an even more hands-off approach, you can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Combine the cooked pasta and the fully prepared cheese sauce in your slow cooker. Set it to LOW heat and cook for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully and results in an incredibly creamy texture. This method is ideal for keeping mac and cheese warm for gatherings.
Freezing Mac and Cheese for Future Meals
Yes, you can freeze unbaked Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese for convenient future meals. Assemble the mac and cheese in a freezer-safe airtight container, ensuring it’s completely cooled. 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 the baking time if needed, to ensure it’s heated through.
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An overhead view of plated mac and cheese with a fork, showcasing its gooey, cheesy, and tempting appearance.]
What to Serve Alongside Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a comforting and satisfying dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a balanced meal. Consider serving it with slow cooker green beans, a crisp and refreshing simple green salad, or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. These sides add contrasting textures and flavors, making for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
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A side view of gooey mac and cheese on a blue plate, emphasizing its cheesy, melty texture and deliciousness.]
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A Pinterest pin image featuring Pioneer Woman mac and cheese, with eye-catching title text overlay for easy saving.More Mac and Cheese Recipes to Explore
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore all of our pasta recipes! Here are a few reader favorites you might like:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 4 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk (or consider substituting 1/2 cup with evaporated milk for extra richness)
- 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
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni to al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg until smooth.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to make a roux. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring.
- Whisking constantly, pour in milk and sprinkle in mustard powder. Simmer until sauce thickens (about 5 minutes), whisking occasionally. Reduce heat to low.
- Temper the egg: Slowly whisk 1/4 cup hot sauce into the beaten egg. Then slowly pour egg mixture back into the sauce, whisking constantly.
- Stir in grated cheese, salt, seasoned salt, and pepper until cheese melts. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Add cooked macaroni to cheese sauce; stir to coat.
- Optional baked mac and cheese: Transfer to a greased casserole dish. Top with extra cheddar cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Recipe Notes
*Always use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and texture. Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/6
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 769, Total Fat: 38.3g, Carbohydrates: 72.2g, Fiber: 2.9g, Sugar: 7.8g, Protein: 32.7g
Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.
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Enjoy making this incredibly delicious Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese! Whether you choose the stovetop or baked method, you’re in for a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
