Pioneer Woman Macaroni Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Pioneer Woman Macaroni Cheese recipe, a creamy, cheesy delight that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Featuring a rich blend of sharp cheddar and colby jack cheeses, this dish combines a velvety homemade cheese sauce seasoned with dry mustard and optional cayenne for a subtle kick. The elbow macaroni is tossed in this luscious sauce, and for added flair, you can top it with buttery panko breadcrumbs and bake until golden and crispy. Ready in just 40 minutes, this classic mac and cheese offers the perfect balance of nostalgia and flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether served as a stand-alone main dish or a side for hearty meals, it’s guaranteed to be a family favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cups half-and-half
- 0.5 teaspoons dry mustard powder
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional)
- 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup colby jack cheese, grated
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly to make a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until it is golden and bubbly.
Gradually pour in the milk and half-and-half, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the dry mustard powder, salt, cayenne pepper (if using), and ground black pepper. Mix well.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the grated cheddar cheese and colby jack cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is completely coated.
Optional Step: For a baked version, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter, then sprinkle over the top. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crunchy.
Serve warm and enjoy this comforting dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3440 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 205.7 g | 264% | |
| Saturated Fat | 125.0 g | 625% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 615 mg | 205% | |
| Sodium | 5256 mg | 229% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 271.4 g | 99% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.8 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.3 g | ||
| Protein | 144.0 g | 288% | |
| Vitamin D | 10.6 mcg | 53% | |
| Calcium | 3301 mg | 254% | |
| Iron | 11.0 mg | 61% | |
| Potassium | 1641 mg | 35% | |
*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.
