Pioneer Woman Mac N Cheese: The Creamiest, Cheesiest Comfort Food Sensation

Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese isn’t just a recipe; it’s a beloved classic that’s famous for its incredibly creamy texture and rich, cheesy flavor. Created by the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, this mac and cheese recipe has won hearts across generations, from picky eaters to those with the heartiest appetites. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to faces and fills the room with a comforting aroma.

As a go-to dinner option, Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese is a winner because it’s both satisfying and straightforward. Busy weeknights are no match for this recipe, as you can have a steaming, cheesy dish on the table in under an hour. It’s a comforting, home-style meal that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen.

Macaroni and cheese has truly evolved beyond a simple kid’s meal. There’s a mac and cheese recipe for every palate and cooking style imaginable. Whether you prefer baking it to golden perfection in the oven or whipping it up quickly on the stovetop, the perfect cheesy, comforting recipe is out there waiting to bring you joy.

If you’re a mac and cheese enthusiast, you might also want to explore some exciting variations like Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese, the popular Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese copycat, the spicy kick of Green Chile Mac and Cheese, or the ultimate convenience of Crockpot Mac and Cheese!

But first, let’s dive into what makes the Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese recipe so incredibly special and why it deserves a spot in your recipe rotation.

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

Let’s face it, the internet is overflowing with mac and cheese recipes. However, this Pioneer Woman version truly stands out from the crowd. It’s renowned for delivering a luxuriously thick and creamy texture, enveloped in a blanket of cheesy goodness, and often crowned with a golden-brown baked topping that reveals the gooey deliciousness underneath.

What I especially love is that this is a genuinely wholesome and satisfying dish, perfect for all ages! It’s a comforting, unpretentious meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Here’s what makes it so fantastic:

Quick and Convenient: Ready to serve in less than an hour, perfect for busy schedules.
Wholesome Comfort: Made with simple, recognizable ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Unbelievably Cheesy and Gooey: Achieves that perfect creamy, cheesy texture we all crave.
Versatile Serving Options: Ideal as a hearty main course or a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Flexible for Any Occasion: Works for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
Hearty and Fulfilling: A genuinely satisfying meal that leaves you feeling content.

Pioneer Woman mac and cheese in a casserole dish

Recipe Notes for the Creamiest Mac and Cheese

One of the great things about this Pioneer Woman mac and cheese recipe is its versatility when it comes to serving. You have choices! For an ultra-creamy and incredibly rich mac and cheese experience, you can serve it immediately after mixing the pasta with the luscious cheese sauce. This option delivers a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist.

Alternatively, for a more traditional baked mac and cheese, you can transfer it to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until it transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece in the oven. Honestly, both versions are incredibly delicious, and it really comes down to personal preference.

Sometimes, I can’t resist enjoying it both ways! I often sneak a bowl straight from the pot when pouring the mac and cheese into the baking dish. ( Of course, it’s purely for quality control – just making sure it’s going to be perfectly creamy and delicious!).

This is a substantial recipe, generously serving 6-8 people. This isn’t your average boxed mac and cheese; it’s a truly savory and creamy dish that’s hearty enough to stand as the main attraction on your dinner table.

Pro-Tip: This incredible cheese sauce isn’t limited to just pasta! Try spooning it over steamed broccoli or cauliflower to sneak in some extra veggies – even the kids might be convinced!

Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese

Whole Milk: The secret to the phenomenal creaminess of this Pioneer Woman mac and cheese lies in using whole milk. With just over three percent fat, whole milk provides that luxurious, velvety texture that you simply can’t achieve with lower-fat milk options. It creates a richer, more decadent sauce.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The recipe calls for 16 ounces of grated sharp cheddar cheese, which provides that classic mac and cheese flavor. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite shredded cheeses. Colby or mozzarella are popular alternatives that melt beautifully and offer slightly different flavor profiles.
Elbow Macaroni Pasta: It’s crucial 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 combined with the cheese sauce and baked. Generously salting your pasta water is also key; it seasons the pasta from the inside out, adding depth of flavor even before you add the cheese sauce.

scooping Pioneer Woman mac and cheese

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese

Cook the Pasta: Prepare the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
Beat the Egg: In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg and set it aside. The egg adds richness and helps bind the sauce.
Make the Roux: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the melted butter. Whisk continuously and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture turns a light golden color. This butter and flour mixture, called a roux, is the base for your creamy sauce. Be careful not to let it burn.
Add Milk and Mustard: Remove the pot from the heat and gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the dry mustard. Whisk until smooth.
Thicken the Sauce: Return the pot to medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, about 3-4 minutes.
Temper the Egg: Remove ¼ cup of the hot cheese sauce and slowly whisk it into the beaten egg. This process, called tempering, gently warms the egg and prevents it 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 in the Cheese: Add the grated cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and cheesy.
Season the Sauce: Season the cheese sauce with salt, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to your preference.
Combine with Pasta: Add the drained, cooked pasta to the cheese sauce.
Mix and Serve or Bake: Stir until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy cheese sauce. At this point, you can serve it immediately for an ultra-creamy mac and cheese. For baked mac and cheese, pour the mixture into a prepared baking dish, top with additional shredded cheese (optional), and bake.

***For complete instructions, see the recipe card below.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping your Pioneer Woman mac and cheese delicious for days! Storing leftover mac and cheese in a covered container in the refrigerator is the best method. For easy grab-and-go lunches or single servings, divide it into individual portions before refrigerating.

If you’re short on fridge space and don’t want to store the entire casserole dish, transfer your Pioneer Woman mac and cheese to a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. As long as it’s protected from air, it will stay fresh and flavorful in the fridge.

How Long Does Mac and Cheese Last in the Fridge? When stored correctly, this recipe will stay good in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Can You Freeze Mac and Cheese? Yes! Pioneer Woman mac and cheese freezes exceptionally well. You can freeze the whole dish or portion it out into individual servings for convenient meals within 1-2 months.
- Freezer Trick: To prevent sticking, lightly butter your baking dish or freezer-safe container before adding the mac and cheese for freezing. This will make it easier to remove once frozen. Freezer bags and vacuum sealers are also excellent options.
Make-Ahead Instructions: Preparing this Pioneer Woman mac and cheese ahead of time for an easy dinner is simple. You have a couple of options: You can fully prepare it and store it in a baking dish in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
Food Safety: For more detailed information on food safety guidelines, refer to this helpful link.

Another time-saving tip is to cook the macaroni noodles in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make the cheese sauce. This can cut down on your prep time when you’re ready to assemble the dish.

Pioneer Woman mac and cheese on a plate

Recipe Variations to Try

One of the great things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it! Many people enjoy making Pioneer Woman mac and cheese with different pasta shapes, such as shells or spiral noodles. Experimenting with a blend of different cheeses is also a fantastic way to tailor the flavor to your liking, as mentioned earlier.

Adding various herbs and spices is another simple way to elevate and change the flavor profile of your mac and cheese. Paprika, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne pepper all add delicious layers of flavor. For a heartier, kid-friendly twist (and let’s be honest, adult-friendly too!), consider adding chopped hotdogs or crispy bacon bits. Bacon makes everything better, right?

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Pioneer Woman Mac And Cheese Recipe

Pioneer Woman mac and cheese is celebrated for its irresistibly thick, creamy texture and an abundance of cheesy flavor that will delight everyone, from the youngest to the young at heart!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6-8 servings

Author: Kathleen

Ingredients

4 cups dried macaroni elbow pasta
1 large whole egg, beaten
4 tablespoons butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups whole milk
2 heaping teaspoons dry mustard (adjust to taste)
16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon seasoned salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Optional Spices:

Cayenne pepper
Paprika
Thyme

Optional Toppings:

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated (for topping)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

If baking, preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Cook the macaroni pasta (4 cups) according to package directions in well-salted water until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
In a small mixing bowl, beat the egg (1 large) and set aside.
In a large pot, melt the butter (4 tablespoons) over medium-low heat. Evenly sprinkle the flour (¼ cup) over the melted butter. Whisk together constantly over medium-low heat and cook for about 2 minutes or until the mixture becomes a light golden color. Ensure it doesn’t burn.
Remove the pot from the heat, add milk (2 ½ cups) and dry mustard (2 heaping teaspoons). Whisk until completely smooth. Return to medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Reduce heat to the lowest setting.
Take ¼ cup of the hot sauce and slowly whisk it into the beaten egg, whisking constantly to prevent the egg from cooking too quickly. Whisk together until smooth.
Pour the egg mixture back into the pot with the sauce, whisking constantly to fully incorporate. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese (16 ounces) and continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and any of the optional spices if desired. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings to your preference.
Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly combined and coated.
For creamy mac and cheese, serve immediately. For baked mac and cheese, pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, and top with an additional 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly throughout. Sprinkle the top with fresh parsley before serving.

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Source: Ree Drummond

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