Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese Recipe: Ultra Creamy & Cheesy Comfort Food

This Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese recipe delivers an incredibly rich, cheesy, and creamy dish that will become a family favorite. Perfect as a comforting dinner, this macaroni and cheese is far from ordinary, offering a homemade touch that surpasses any boxed version. Whether you choose to make it on the stovetop or bake it for a golden crust, the result is guaranteed to be delicious.

What Makes This Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese Special?

This isn’t just any mac and cheese recipe; it’s the Pioneer Woman’s take on classic comfort food, and it truly stands out. The secret lies in the luscious, velvety cheese sauce, elevated with a hint of dry mustard for a subtle tang that perfectly complements the richness of the cheese.

The inclusion of an egg in the cheese sauce is a game-changer. It creates an unparalleled creamy texture that you won’t get with most recipes. If you haven’t tried mac and cheese with egg before, prepare to be amazed by the difference it makes. For those who love an extra layer of cheesy goodness, an optional baking step adds a beautifully browned and bubbly topping.

While quick boxed mac and cheese meals have their place, especially for convenience, this Pioneer Woman recipe offers a depth of flavor and satisfaction that pre-packaged versions simply can’t match. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to faces and becomes a requested staple at potlucks, family dinners, and holiday gatherings. Kids and adults alike will eagerly devour this creamy, cheesy masterpiece.

If you’re a fan of Pioneer Woman recipes, you’re in for a treat. Her recipes are known for their hearty flavors and home-style appeal, and this mac and cheese is no exception. It embodies the comforting, satisfying essence of Ree Drummond’s cooking style.

Serving spoon scooping Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese from a pot, highlighting its creamy texture.

Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese

Let’s gather the simple yet quality ingredients that make this mac and cheese extraordinary:

Elbow Macaroni: Classic elbow macaroni is ideal for mac and cheese, with its curved shape perfectly designed to capture and hold onto creamy cheese sauce. Feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes with ridges and grooves like shells or cavatappi if you prefer.
Egg: The crucial ingredient for ultra-creamy texture. The egg enriches the sauce, making it smooth and luxurious.
Butter and All-Purpose Flour: This dynamic duo creates a roux, the foundation of a smooth and thick cheese sauce. The roux ensures the sauce isn’t runny and has the perfect body.
Whole Milk: The liquid component of the cheese sauce. Whole milk contributes to the creamy texture and rich flavor. Reduced-fat milk can be used, but whole milk delivers the best results.
Dry Mustard: A touch of dry mustard powder adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a more balanced and flavorful dish.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Sharp cheddar provides that classic mac and cheese flavor and melts beautifully into a smooth sauce. For a more complex cheese profile, consider blending cheddar with other cheeses like Gruyere, Colby, Monterey Jack, or even a touch of Velveeta for extra meltiness, if desired.
Seasonings (Salt, Seasoned Salt, Black Pepper): Simple seasonings are essential for enhancing the overall flavor, balancing the richness, and ensuring the mac and cheese isn’t bland.

Labeled ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese, showcasing elbow macaroni, cheese, milk, and spices.

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

Making this comforting dish is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps for mac and cheese perfection:

Cook the Macaroni: Cook elbow macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, according to package directions. Drain the pasta and rinse lightly. Rinsing helps stop the cooking process and prevents stickiness.
Prepare the Egg: In a small bowl, lightly beat one egg until the yolk and white are fully combined. Set aside.

Beating an egg in a bowl with a fork, preparing for the creamy cheese sauce.
Create the Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter completely. Sprinkle flour evenly over the melted butter and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. Cook the roux for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Cooking the roux is important to eliminate the raw flour taste and ensure proper thickening.

Melting butter in a saucepan and adding flour to create the roux base for the cheese sauce.
Make the Cheese Sauce Base: Gradually pour in whole milk while whisking the roux constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add dry mustard powder and continue whisking. Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and is smooth. This should take about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low once thickened.

Adding milk and dry mustard to the roux, whisking to create a smooth cheese sauce base.
Temper the Egg: Tempering the egg prevents it from scrambling when added to the hot sauce. Take about 1/4 cup of the hot cheese sauce base and slowly drizzle it into the beaten egg while whisking constantly. This gradually raises the egg’s temperature. Once the egg mixture is warmed, slowly pour it back into the saucepan with the remaining cheese sauce base, whisking constantly to incorporate it smoothly and prevent curdling.

Tempering the egg by slowly adding hot cheese sauce base to the beaten egg, ensuring a creamy texture.
Melt in the Cheese and Seasonings: Add freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese to the sauce, along with salt, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add a pinch more salt, seasoned salt, or pepper to taste.

Adding shredded cheddar cheese and seasonings to the cheese sauce, melting until smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the luscious cheese sauce.

Mixing cooked macaroni into the pot of creamy cheese sauce, coating the pasta evenly.
Optional Baking Step for Extra Cheesiness: For baked mac and cheese, transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the top for an extra cheesy crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Finished Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese in a pot, showcasing its creamy and cheesy perfection.

Pro Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese

Gradually Add Milk to Roux: For a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce, ensure you gradually add the milk to the roux while whisking constantly. This prevents lumps from forming and creates a silky base for the cheese.
Freshly Grated Cheese is Best: Always use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain cellulose, an anti-caking agent that can prevent the cheese from melting as smoothly and can result in a slightly gritty texture. Grating your own cheese ensures a meltier, smoother sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the macaroni to al dente, especially if you plan to bake the mac and cheese. The pasta will continue to cook slightly in the cheese sauce or during baking, so starting with al dente pasta prevents it from becoming mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mac and Cheese

What is the best cheese for macaroni and cheese?

While sharp cheddar is a classic and excellent choice, you can create a more complex flavor by using a blend of cheeses. Consider incorporating Gruyere for its nutty flavor, Colby for mildness and meltability, Monterey Jack for creaminess, or even a bit of Parmesan for sharpness. For a truly decadent and ultra-melty mac and cheese, some people swear by adding a portion of Velveeta to the cheese blend. Velveeta melts incredibly smoothly and contributes to a very creamy texture, although it has a milder flavor than sharp cheddar. Experiment with different cheese combinations to find your perfect blend!

Serving spoon scooping Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese from a pot, highlighting its creamy texture.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for mac and cheese?

It’s highly recommended to use freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses are coated with cellulose to prevent clumping, which can inhibit smooth melting and sometimes result in a grainy texture in your cheese sauce. Freshly grated cheese melts much more seamlessly into a creamy sauce.

Why include an egg in mac and cheese?

The egg acts as an emulsifier and adds richness to the cheese sauce. It binds the sauce together, creating a thicker, creamier, and more luxurious texture. It’s a key ingredient in achieving that signature ultra-creamy texture in this Pioneer Woman recipe.

Mac and cheese plated, showcasing its creamy texture enhanced by the addition of egg.

Can I customize this mac and cheese recipe?

Absolutely! Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that welcomes customization. Feel free to add cooked vegetables like steamed broccoli florets, peas, or sautéed mushrooms. For protein, consider stirring in cooked bacon crumbles, shredded chicken, or ham. Spice lovers might enjoy a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper in the cheese sauce. For a textural contrast, a sprinkle of buttery breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions on top before baking (or serving) adds a delightful crunch.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make-Ahead: You can prepare this mac and cheese ahead of time, which is perfect for potlucks or busy weeknights. Prepare the recipe as instructed up to the point of baking (if baking). Let it cool slightly, then transfer it to a buttered casserole dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while the oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). Bake, covered, for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

Freezing: For longer storage, unbaked mac and cheese can be frozen. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking according to the make-ahead baking instructions.

Slow Cooker Option: For a hands-off approach, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Prepare the cheese sauce on the stovetop as directed. Cook the macaroni separately until al dente and drain. Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce in a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until heated through and extra creamy.

Close-up shot of the thick and creamy cheese sauce of Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese.

What to Serve with Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a comforting main dish, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a balanced meal. Consider serving it with:

Vegetables: A fresh green salad, steamed or roasted broccoli, green beans, or asparagus provide a healthy contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese.
Protein: For a heartier meal, serve mac and cheese alongside BBQ pulled pork, grilled chicken, or even simple baked ham.
Bread: Garlic bread, cornbread, or dinner rolls are classic accompaniments for soaking up any extra cheese sauce.

Overhead shot of plated mac and cheese with a fork, suggesting a comforting and complete meal.