When Ree Drummond cooks, you feel like you’re right there in her kitchen. Ree Drummond, also known as the Pioneer Woman, has hooked home cooks all over America with her down to earth style and love for big comforting meals. Her cooking style is real simple and easy for anyone to follow, she uses fresh ingrediants and old fashioned flavours that remind you of yesteryear. Out of all her recipes mac and cheese is the one that stands out, cuz its the ultimate comfort food that feels like home no matter your age or occassion.
Mac and cheese is a big deal in American kitchens, people adore its creamy feel and yummy taste. From family dinners to late night snacks, this dish is a symbol of warmth and togetherness it brings folks around the table. In this post we'll dig into what makes Pioneer Woman’s mac and cheese so special, looking at its flavour, the lil things Ree adds to make it pop, plus a full recipe, tips, variations and ideas for perfect pairings so every bite is totally satisfying.
What Makes Pioneer Woman's Mac and Cheese Unique?
Pioneer Woman's mac and cheese ain't just another recipe, its like a story in a bowl showing Ree Drummond's cooking journey and all the love she pours into her meals. She’s took inspiration from old family recipes and her own time in the kitchen to turn a simple dish into something unforgettable. Her mac and cheese is all about classic comfort food vibes — its hearty and the flavours are real familiar.
The taste is what really sets it apart its super rich and creamy but not too heavy so it feels just right. She mixes sharp cheddar with melty Monterey Jack and sometimes adds a bit of cream cheese or Gruyère for extra yum. Then she might throw in a pinch of mustard or some spices to give it a fancy twist. When you scoop into it the cheese sauce hugs every piece of pasta so well that every forkful brings back memories of cozy family nights.
Besides the taste theres also that comfort factor nobody can ignore. Mac and cheese makes you remember childhood meals and busy kitchens full of laughter. Ree Drummond knows that feeling and her version does more than just fill your belly it warms your heart. Whether it's a simple weeknight dinner or a big holiday spread this dish has a way to bring people together, its no wonder it’s a favourite in homes everywhere.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese
If you wanna make Pioneer Woman's mac and cheese at home you need some basic and some optional ingrediants that give it that trademark taste and texture. The most important ones are:
- Cheese Varieties: She uses sharp cheddar for that punch of flavour and Monterey Jack for creaminess. Sometimes she’ll add Gruyère or a bit of cream cheese to boost the richness.
- Types of Pasta: Elbow macaroni is the usual pick but you could use cavatappi or shells if you want a fun twist on how it feels in your mouth.
- Milk, Butter, and Other Essentials: Whole milk and unsalted butter are key to getting that smooth cheese sauce. You’ll also need flour to make the roux, plus salt and pepper for seasoning.
Then there’s some optional extras you can throw in to make it your own:
- Proteins: Cooked bacon bits, shredded chicken or even lobster can make it feel kinda fancy.
- Vegetables: Sautéed spinach, broccoli, or caramelized onions are great if you want to add some veggies and flavour.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese
If you wanna make Pioneer Woman's mac and cheese at home you need some basic and some optional ingrediants that give it that trademark taste and texture. The most important ones are:
- Cheese Varieties: She uses sharp cheddar for that punch of flavour and Monterey Jack for creaminess. Sometimes she’ll add Gruyère or a bit of cream cheese to boost the richness.
- Types of Pasta: Elbow macaroni is the usual pick but you could use cavatappi or shells if you want a fun twist on how it feels in your mouth.
- Milk, Butter, and Other Essentials: Whole milk and unsalted butter are key to getting that smooth cheese sauce. You’ll also need flour to make the roux, plus salt and pepper for seasoning.
Then there’s some optional extras you can throw in to make it your own:
- Proteins: Cooked bacon bits, shredded chicken or even lobster can make it feel kinda fancy.
- Vegetables: Sautéed spinach, broccoli, or caramelized onions are great if you want to add some veggies and flavour.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese
Whippin up the perfect mac and cheese can be real fun and pretty easy too. follow these steps to make Ree Drummond’s famous version.
A. Preparation
First grab all your pans and tools. You’ll need a big pot for the pasta, a saucepan for the cheese sauce, a whisk and a baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so its ready when you are.
Next fill that big pot with water and salt it good. Bring it to a boil then add your elbow macaroni. Cook it till its just al dente, usually about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain it and set it aside while you work on the sauce.
B. Making the Cheese Sauce
Put a medium saucepan on medium heat and melt ½ cup of unsalted butter. Once it’s all melted stir in ½ cup of all-purpose flour to make a roux. Keep whisking for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns golden and kinda bubbly.
Slowly pour in 4 cups of whole milk, whisking the whole time so you dont get lumps. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes till it thickens. Then turn the heat down to low and add your cheese: 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar and 2 cups of Monterey Jack. Stir it till its all melty and smooth.
To make it even better add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper. You could also throw in a dash of cayenne or paprika if you want a little heat.
C. Combining and Baking
Dump the cooked macaroni into a big bowl and pour the cheese sauce over it. Mix it up so every noodle is covered. Then transfer it into your greased baking dish and spread it out.
For a crunchy top you can sprinkle extra cheese or even some breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan. Bake it for 25 to 30 minutes or till the top is golden and bubbly.
Let it cool for a few minutes once its out of the oven. Then dig in and enjoy your homemade Pioneer Woman mac and cheese, its gonna be a hit with everyone!
pioneer woman mac and cheese
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Colander
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Baking dish (3-quart)
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni about 2 cups
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring continuously.
- Gradually add the milk to the flour mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 3-quart baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
