Ranch Mac Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy Ranch Mac and Cheese recipe, a decadent twist on a classic favorite. Featuring tender elbow macaroni smothered in a rich, velvety cheese sauce infused with bold ranch seasoning, this dish is guaranteed to please every palate. A luscious trio of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses ensures maximum flavor, while an optional buttery breadcrumb topping adds an irresistible crunch. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings, this Ranch Mac and Cheese comes together in just 40 minutes and serves up to six. Whether baked to golden perfection or served straight from the stovetop, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s savory, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 2 tablespoons Ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Butter, melted (for breadcrumbs, optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to eliminate any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, salt, and black pepper.
Remove the pan from the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
If using breadcrumbs, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
Bake the dish (if adding breadcrumbs) for 15-20 minutes or until the topping is golden and crispy. If skipping breadcrumbs, serve the mac and cheese immediately.
Serve warm and garnish with fresh parsley or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
686 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 37.5 g | 48% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.2 g | 116% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 106 mg | 35% | |
| Sodium | 1075 mg | 47% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60.1 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.7 g | ||
| Protein | 31.4 g | 63% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 704 mg | 54% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 289 mg | 6% | |
*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.
