Quick Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy Comfort 🧀🍝✨
1. Introduction
Craving the rich, creamy goodness of Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese but don’t want to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen? You’re in luck! This quick and easy recipe delivers that signature, almost bakery-like taste in a fraction of the time. Imagine indulging in a bowl of perfectly cooked macaroni, each piece lovingly coated in a velvety smooth cheese sauce that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that instantly warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish to complement a hearty meal or a simple yet deeply delicious main course that the whole family will adore, this homemade mac and cheese recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Forget complicated cooking techniques and endless ingredients lists. This recipe proves that incredible flavor can be achieved with simplicity. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food experience with this Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese recipe that’s so good, it’ll make you think it came straight from a gourmet bakery! Looking for a complete meal to go with it? Maybe check our dinner recipes!
2. Why This Recipe Works
What makes this Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese recipe so ridiculously good and so easy to make? It’s a beautiful marriage of simplicity and the use of quality ingredients. By using a carefully considered combination of sharp cheddar and creamy American cheese, we perfectly mimic that classic tangy yet smooth flavor profile that makes Cracker Barrel’s version so iconic. This means every bite is an explosion of cheesy goodness! The easy macaroni recipe itself magically comes together quicker than you’d expect possible, making it an absolute lifesaver for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence, or even for those impromptu gatherings when you need to whip up something delicious in a hurry. Plus, the method detailed below guarantees a flawlessly smooth, completely lump-free cheese sauce every single time. No grainy textures here! This recipe is living proof that you absolutely don’t need complicated techniques or a culinary degree to create a comfort food masterpiece that tastes like it came straight from a professional bakery. It’s food that hugs you from the inside.
3. Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin crafting this amazing dish, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary delight:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni (the classic choice!)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (whole milk recommended for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for that signature tangy flavor)
- 1 cup shredded American cheese (for ultimate creaminess and melt)
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to bring this amazing Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese recipe at home.
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
First, grab a large pot and fill it with plenty of salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, carefully add the elbow macaroni and cook it according to the package directions until it reaches the perfect al dente stage. This is an absolutely crucial step for achieving the perfect texture in your homemade mac and cheese. Nobody enjoys mushy, overcooked macaroni! Al dente means the pasta is firm to the bite, providing a delightful textural contrast to the creamy cheese sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce Base
While the macaroni is happily bubbling away, it’s time to turn our attention to the glorious cheese sauce. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until it’s completely smooth. This creates what is known as a roux, which is the foundation for a lovely thick cheese sauce. Gradually, and I mean gradually, whisk in the milk, making absolutely sure there are no lumps forming. Continue whisking diligently until the sauce thickens slightly, this usually takes around 5-7 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper, adjusting to your own personal preference. This velvety béchamel sauce with its seasonings forms the backbone for the creamy cheese pasta that will soon have everyone begging for seconds.
Step 3: Combine and Melt the Cheese
Once the macaroni is cooked al dente, carefully drain it using a colander. Add the drained macaroni directly to the saucepan containing the cheese sauce base. Reduce the heat to low, as high heat can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy. Now comes the best part! Gradually add the shredded cheddar and American cheese, bit by bit, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce transforms into a thing of beauty, a smooth and wonderfully creamy coating for the pasta. The specific combination of these cheeses is what truly makes this Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese recipe sing, giving it that signature flavor we all know and love and remember!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve this delectable Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese recipe immediately while it’s still wonderfully warm and the cheese is at its absolute melty best. It stands perfectly well on its own as a main course or complements almost any dish as a side. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top before serving. Prepare yourself to be utterly amazed by just how closely this simple recipe mimics the taste of the stuff from Cracker Barrel! It’s perfect as a Thanksgiving side-dish. Want more side dish ideas? Check our this amazing recipe.
5. Tips for the Perfect Mac and Cheese
To ensure your mac and cheese turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Use high-quality cheeses for the absolute best possible flavor. The better the cheese, the better the mac and cheese!
- Absolutely do not overcook the macaroni. Al dente is the key to a good texture.
- Whisk the milk into the roux gradually to prevent any annoying lumps from forming.
- Stir your sauce constantly while melting the cheese to ensure it stays smooth and creamy.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Everyone’s palate is different!
6. Variations and Add-Ins
Want to add a personal touch and truly make this Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese recipe your own? Here are a few delicious ideas to get you started:
- Add cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham for a wonderful meaty twist that adds a salty, savory flavor.
- Stir in some steamed broccoli florets or sweet green peas for added nutrients and a pop of color.
- Top with buttered breadcrumbs and bake in the oven for a crispy, golden-brown crust.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Fontina, for a more unique and sophisticated flavor profile.
7. Serving Suggestions
This easy macaroni recipe pairs beautifully and harmoniously with a wide variety of main courses. Some excellent serving suggestions include:
- Crispy fried chicken
- Tender pulled pork sandwiches
- Flavorful grilled vegetables
- A simple and refreshing green salad
8. Storage and Reheating Instructions
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers of this amazing Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese recipe(and let’s be honest, that’s a big “if”), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore its original creamy consistency. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed through – this method helps to maintain a better texture. If you love to bake, you may wanna check our baking recipes. To know more about the team behind these recipes check about us page!
9. Conclusion
This quick and easy Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for satisfying cravings and creating memorable meals. With its irresistibly creamy texture, intensely cheesy flavor, and simple preparation, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Now you can enjoy bakery-quality, homemade mac and cheese any time you desire, without the hassle of long cooking times or complicated steps. So, gather all of your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a dish that will impress your family and friends and quickly become a new household staple. Enjoy every single cheesy, comforting bite!
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Quick Cracker Barrel Macaroni And Cheese Recipe That Tastes Like It’s from a Bakery
Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of homemade Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese in a fraction of the time! This quick and easy recipe delivers that signature bakery-style taste with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. Perfect as a comforting side dish or a satisfying main course.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 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 sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded American cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- While macaroni cooks, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth (roux).
- Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps. Continue whisking until sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low. Add cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, and American cheese to the saucepan.
- Stir constantly until cheese is completely melted and sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve immediately and enjoy! For an extra touch, sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality cheeses for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the macaroni; al dente is key.
- Whisk milk into roux gradually to prevent lumps.
- Stir constantly while melting cheese for smooth sauce.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Add cooked bacon or ham for a meaty twist.
- Stir in steamed broccoli or peas for added nutrients.
- Top with breadcrumbs and bake for a crispy crust.
- Use different cheese types (Gruyere or Fontina) for a unique flavor.
- Pairs well with fried chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or grilled vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Boiling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
