Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese is famous for its incredibly thick, creamy texture and the kind of cheesy flavor that everyone loves. This recipe, inspired by the Pioneer Woman herself, Ree Drummond, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. From the pickiest eaters to those with the biggest appetites, this mac and cheese recipe brings joy to every meal.
This Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese recipe has become a go-to dinner option in many households because it’s both satisfying and straightforward. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Macaroni and cheese isn’t just for kids anymore! There are countless variations to suit every palate and occasion. Whether you prefer a baked mac and cheese or a stovetop version, there’s a cheesy recipe out there that will bring comfort and happiness to your table.
If you’re a mac and cheese enthusiast, you might also want to explore other delicious variations like smoked gouda mac and cheese, a copycat Chick Fil A mac and cheese, green chile mac and cheese, and an incredibly convenient crockpot mac and cheese!
But first, let’s dive into what makes this Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese recipe so special and why it deserves a spot in your recipe repertoire.
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. It’s a rich and decadent blend of cheesy goodness, topped with a beautiful golden-brown crust that gives way to the creamy, gooey delight hidden underneath.
What makes this recipe a winner?
- Quick and Convenient: Ready to serve in less than an hour, perfect for weeknight meals.
- Wholesome Comfort Food: A satisfying and unpretentious dish that appeals to all ages.
- Unbelievably Cheesy and Gooey: The texture is just perfect – creamy, gooey, and utterly delicious.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a hearty main course or a comforting side dish.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings.
- Hearty and Filling: This mac and cheese is incredibly satisfying and will leave everyone feeling full and happy.
Pioneer Woman mac and cheese in a casserole dish
A delicious casserole dish filled with Pioneer Woman mac and cheese, showcasing its golden brown topping and creamy texture.
Making the Creamiest Mac and Cheese: Recipe Notes
One of the best things about this Pioneer Woman mac and cheese recipe is its flexibility in serving. You have options! For an ultra-creamy and intensely rich mac and cheese experience, you can serve it immediately after mixing the pasta with the luscious cheese sauce. This method results in a wonderfully smooth and gooey dish.
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 develops a beautifully bubbly, golden-brown crust. Both methods are incredibly delicious, and it really comes down to personal preference.
Sometimes, the best approach is to enjoy it both ways! Try scooping out a portion of the creamy mac and cheese straight from the pot before baking the rest. It’s the perfect way to experience the recipe’s full potential. (And yes, taste-testing is essential to ensure maximum creaminess and flavor!)
This is a substantial recipe designed to generously serve 6-8 people. This isn’t your typical boxed mac and cheese; this is a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying dish that can easily stand as the centerpiece of your meal.
Bonus Tip: This incredible cheese sauce isn’t limited to pasta! Try spooning it over broccoli or cauliflower to encourage everyone, especially kids, to eat their veggies.
Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese
Let’s break down the star ingredients that make this Pioneer Woman mac and cheese recipe so exceptional:
- Whole Milk: The secret to the unbelievably creamy, velvety texture of this mac and cheese is whole milk. With just over three percent fat, whole milk provides the richness and moisture that low-fat milk simply can’t replicate. Don’t skimp on this!
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The recipe calls for 16 ounces of grated sharp cheddar cheese, which provides a robust and classic cheesy flavor. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite shredded cheeses. Colby or mozzarella are popular alternatives that melt beautifully. For a more complex flavor profile, consider using a blend of cheeses.
- Elbow Macaroni: Be sure to cook your elbow macaroni to 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 (if baking). Generously salting your pasta water is also crucial for adding flavor right from the start.
scooping Pioneer Woman mac and cheese
A close-up shot of Pioneer Woman mac and cheese being scooped, showcasing its creamy consistency and cheesy sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Pioneer Woman’s famous mac and cheese:
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the Egg: In a small bowl, beat the egg and set aside. This egg helps to create a richer, creamier sauce.
- Make the Roux: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter 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 cheese sauce and helps to thicken it. Ensure you cook it to a golden color to remove the raw flour taste.
- 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 boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Temper the Egg: Remove about 1/4 cup of the hot cheese sauce and slowly whisk it into the beaten egg in the small bowl, whisking constantly. This process, called tempering, gradually warms the egg and prevents it from scrambling when added to the hot sauce.
- Combine Egg and Sauce: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot with the cheese sauce, whisking constantly to combine.
- Melt the Cheese: Add the grated cheddar cheese to the sauce, a handful at a time, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season to Perfection: Stir in the salt, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained, cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated in the luscious sauce.
- Bake (Optional): For baked mac and cheese, pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with an additional 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (optional). Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately. If baked, sprinkle with fresh parsley (optional) before serving.
***Full recipe instructions are detailed in the recipe card below.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese
Proper storage is key to keeping your Pioneer Woman mac and cheese tasting its best.
Storing: The best way to store leftover mac and cheese is in a covered container in the refrigerator. For individual portions, divide it into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick meals.
If you’re short on space in your fridge and can’t store a large casserole dish, transfer the mac and cheese to a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Ensure it’s sealed tightly to prevent air exposure and maintain freshness.
- Refrigerator Life: Properly stored Pioneer Woman mac and cheese will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
- Freezing Instructions: Yes, you can freeze mac and cheese! Pioneer Woman mac and cheese freezes remarkably well. Freeze the entire dish or portion it out into single servings for easy meals later. Frozen mac and cheese can be stored in the freezer for 1-2 months.
- Freezing Tip: To prevent sticking, lightly butter your baking dish or freezer-safe container before adding the mac and cheese. This makes it easier to remove when reheating. Freezer bags and vacuum sealers also work great for portioning and freezing.
- Make-Ahead Options: Preparing this mac and cheese ahead of time for an easy dinner is simple. You can fully prepare the mac and cheese, place it in a baking dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- Food Safety Reminder: For detailed food safety guidelines, refer to resources like this link.
Another make-ahead tip is to cook the macaroni noodles in advance. Store the cooked and drained noodles in the refrigerator until you’re ready to prepare the cheese sauce. This can save you time on busy days.
Pioneer Woman mac and cheese on a plate
A single serving of Pioneer Woman mac and cheese on a plate, highlighting its creamy texture and inviting appearance.
Recipe Variations to Try
One of the joys of cooking is customization! Here are some easy and delicious ways to vary this Pioneer Woman mac and cheese recipe:
- Pasta Shapes: Experiment with different pasta shapes. Shells or spiral noodles work wonderfully and hold the cheese sauce beautifully.
- Cheese Combinations: As mentioned earlier, feel free to use a blend of cheeses for a more nuanced flavor. Consider adding Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or provolone to the cheddar for a richer, more complex cheese profile.
- Spice it Up: Adding different herbs and spices can transform the flavor of your mac and cheese. Paprika, thyme, and a pinch of cayenne pepper are excellent choices. Smoked paprika can add a lovely smoky depth.
- Add-Ins for Extra Flavor and Texture: For a heartier mac and cheese, consider adding cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped hotdogs, or even shredded cooked chicken or ham. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower can also be incorporated for added nutrition and flavor.
More Mac and Cheese Recipes to Explore
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Pioneer Woman Mac And Cheese Recipe
This Pioneer Woman mac and cheese recipe delivers a luxuriously thick and creamy texture, packed with cheesy goodness that will excite everyone at the dinner table, from kids to adults!
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
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 heaping teaspoons dry mustard (more if desired)
- 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt (more to taste)
- 1/2 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 spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook pasta (4 cups) in well-salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Beat the egg (1) in a small mixing bowl and set aside.
- Melt butter (4 tablespoons) in a large pot over medium-low heat. Sprinkle flour (1/4 cup) evenly over the melted butter. Whisk constantly over medium-low heat and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture becomes a nice golden color, whisking constantly. Don’t allow it to burn.
- Remove from heat, add milk (2 1/2 cups), and mustard (2 heaping teaspoons). Whisk until smooth. Return to medium heat and bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat, and simmer, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
- Remove 1/4 cup of the sauce and slowly whisk it into the beaten egg, whisking constantly to avoid cooking the egg. Whisk together until smooth.
- Add the egg mixture to the sauce, whisking constantly. Stir in the cheese (16 ounces) and stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and any of the optional seasonings. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Add the drained pasta and stir until evenly combined.
- Serve immediately for a very creamy mac and cheese, or pour into the prepared baking dish and top with an additional 2 cups of shredded sharp cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Sprinkle top with fresh 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
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? I’D LOVE TO SEE! Tag @GonnaWantSeconds or #gonnawantseconds on Instagram!
© Gonna Want Seconds. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media/website/blog is strictly prohibited.
On your phone? Check the web story here.
Source: Ree Drummond
25K Shares
