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pioneer woman mac and cheese

pioneer woman mac and cheese

This creamy, cheesy mac and cheese recipe inspired by the Pioneer Woman is a crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. With a rich blend of cheeses and a crispy topping, it's comfort food at its finest.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People
Calories 600 kcal

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.

Notes

For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon or diced tomatoes before baking.
You can substitute different cheeses for a unique twist, such as gouda or pepper jack.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.