cracker barrel macaroni and cheese recipe

Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese Recipe: Unbelievably Creamy Comfort 🧀🤤✨

1. Introduction

Craving the ultimate comfort food? Look no further! This Cracker Barrel macaroni and cheese recipe delivers a taste of classic, creamy goodness right in your own kitchen. This homemade macaroni and cheese is so rich and satisfying, it’s destined to become a family favorite. Forget the boxed stuff; this is the real deal: a baked comfort food mac and cheese that will warm your soul. With its perfectly balanced flavors and irresistibly cheesy texture, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a little cheesy indulgence. Maybe pair it with something from our Chicken Recipes section? Get ready to create a creamy cheese pasta recipe that rivals the original!

2. Why This Recipe Works

What makes this Cracker Barrel macaroni and cheese recipe so special? It’s all about the combination of simple ingredients and a baking process that melds the flavors together perfectly. Using both cheddar and American cheese creates a uniquely creamy and tangy flavor profile. Baking the macaroni and cheese ensures that the top gets slightly browned and bubbly, adding a delightful textural contrast to the creamy interior. Don’t be afraid of trying different cheeses! Every bite of this homemade macaroni and cheese is an explosion of cheesy, comforting goodness. This comfort food mac and cheese recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for other crowd-pleasing recipes, check out our soups or salads categories.

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup American cheese, cubed

4. Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large saucepan
• Whisk
• 9×13 inch baking dish

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Macaroni

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. This is the foundation for your delicious Cracker Barrel macaroni and cheese recipe. While the macaroni cooks, consider browsing our beef recipes for a potential main course pairing!

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken. Add salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese and American cheese until melted and smooth, creating a luscious creamy cheese pasta recipe. If you want to achieve similar results, check out this guide for additional tips.

Combine and Bake

Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. For an extra golden crust, you can sprinkle a bit more shredded cheddar on top. This comfort food mac and cheese is almost ready! Thinking about what to serve alongside? A simple grilled cheese sandwich with tomato could be a perfect complement.

Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cracker Barrel macaroni and cheese recipe! For a full meal, consider pairing this with our Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies recipe.

6. Tips and Variations

• For a richer flavor, use a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheese.
• Add a breadcrumb topping for extra crunch. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese before baking.
• Stir in cooked bacon or ham for a meaty twist to this homemade macaroni and cheese.
• Spice it up with a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to elevate your comfort food mac and cheese.

7. Serving Suggestions

This Cracker Barrel macaroni and cheese recipe is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• BBQ ribs or pulled pork
• Fried chicken
• Green salad
• Coleslaw

If you’re making a whole meal, why not finish it off with something sweet? Browse our desserts section for some inspiration!

8. Storage Instructions

Store leftover creamy cheese pasta recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best results, add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it creamy.

9. Conclusion

There you have it! A simple yet incredibly satisfying Cracker Barrel macaroni and cheese recipe that brings comfort and joy with every bite. This homemade macaroni and cheese is easy to make and customize to your liking. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in some seriously delicious comfort food mac and cheese. Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes in our breakfast & brunch and baking categories as well! Enjoy!

cracker barrel macaroni and cheese recipe

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• Author: Serena Miller
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Craving comfort food? This Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy taste of classic goodness. A homemade, baked delight that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Get ready for an irresistibly cheesy experience!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup American cheese, cubed

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened. Add salt and pepper.
3. Reduce heat to low, stir in cheddar and American cheese until melted and smooth.
4. Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stir to combine.
5. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheddar on top if desired.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, use a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheese.
• Add a breadcrumb topping for extra crunch. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese before baking.
• Stir in cooked bacon or ham for a meaty twist.
• Spice it up with a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450 Kcal
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

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