Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese recipe, a luscious blend of creamy, cheesy goodness reminiscent of the classic restaurant dish. Featuring tender elbow macaroni cloaked in a rich, velvety sauce made from a combination of sharp cheddar and Colby cheeses, this baked mac and cheese is seasoned perfectly with a hint of paprika and black pepper for a depth of flavor that will leave your taste buds craving more. With only 45 minutes of total prep and cooking time, this crowd-pleaser is ideal for busy weeknights or special family dinners. Serve it fresh from the oven, golden and bubbly on top, for a meal that embodies homemade comfort and nostalgia. Perfect for mac and cheese lovers seeking that down-home Cracker Barrel flavor right in their own kitchen!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1.5 cups Colby cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until it forms a paste (roux).
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar and Colby cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir until the macaroni is completely coated.
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Allow the mac and cheese to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
669 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 46.2 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.1 g | 145% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 141 mg | 47% | |
| Sodium | 801 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.7 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.7 g | ||
| Protein | 24.9 g | 50% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 592 mg | 46% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 258 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
