When the weather is cold and the days are short, most of us prefer to stay indoors. And when most of us think of cozy nights at home, we crave comfort foods. If you’re looking for a tasty macaroni and cheese recipe, you’ve come to the right place. From creamy classics to cheesy twists, these homemade mac and cheese dishes give your taste buds what they want. Find your family’s favorite and make it on the nights that call for comfort foods… like tonight!
1) Red Pepper & Velveeta Mac and Cheese
Whether you’re stressed out from deadlines at work, rowdy kids at home, the holiday season or even Tax Day, cheese is a classic comfort food. What’s more, it’s the ultimate American comfort food. This delicious macaroni and cheese recipe includes Velveeta for extra creaminess and red pepper for a nice kick.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 can (5 oz.) evaporated milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne)
1/2 lb. (8 oz.) Velveeta, cut up
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (8 oz.) elbow macaroni, cooked, drained
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix milk and eggs in large bowl. Add butter, red pepper, Velveeta and cheddar cheese. Stir in macaroni; mix lightly.
Pour into 1-1/2-quart casserole.
Bake 20 minutes or until heated through.
2) South of the Border Macaroni and Cheese
Even comfort food deserves a (small) change every now and again, and this macaroni and cheese recipe includes a few adjustments to the traditional dish. From corn and onion to cilantro and zucchini, the flavors are complex and addictive. In fact, you’re likely to forget it’s mac and cheese!
Servings: 12
Ingredients
1 pkg. (16 oz.) elbow macaroni
1 can (14.5 oz.) tomato sauce
2 cups frozen corn
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small each green and red pepper, finely chopped
1 small zucchini, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk
3 canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
12 American cheese singles
Directions
Heat oven to 350ºF.
Cook macaroni in large saucepan as directed on package. Meanwhile, combine tomato sauce, vegetables and cilantro. Blend evaporated milk and chipotle peppers in blender until smooth.
Drain macaroni; return to pan. Add chipotle mixture with mozzarella and 4 singles; cook and stir 5 minutes or until cheeses are completely melted. Spoon half into 13×9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with layers of half each of the vegetable mixture and remaining singles. Repeat layers of macaroni and vegetables; cover.
Bake 25 minutes or until heated through. Top with remaining singles; bake, uncovered, 5 minutes or until melted.
3) Home Sweet Macaroni and Cheese
Nothing offers comfort on a cold night like mac and cheese, especially this macaroni and cheese recipe. The seasoned bread crumbs and flour provide additional bulk to keep you satisfied longer. Word to the wise: Make enough for your family to enjoy second and third helpings—they’re expected!
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. butter or margarine
2 Tbsp. seasoned dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp. salt
2 cups fat-free milk
1/4 lb. (4 oz.) Velveeta, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 pkg. (8 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked, drained
Directions
Heat oven to 350ºF. Melt butter in large saucepan on low heat. Remove half of butter; mix with bread crumbs. Set aside. Stir flour and salt into remaining butter in saucepan; cook and stir 1 minute. Gradually stir in milk until well blended; cook and stir until thickened. Add Velveeta and 1-1/2 cups cheddar; cook until melted, stirring frequently. Stir in macaroni.
Spoon into 1-1/2-qt. casserole; top with remaining cheddar and buttered crumbs.
Bake 20 minutes or until heated through.
4) Bacon & Spinach Mac ‘n Cheese
While mac and cheese is a favorite amongst many individuals, it’s also very predictable. Why not surprise your loved ones’ taste buds by adding a touch of spinach and bacon to an ordinary macaroni and cheese recipe? The bacon enhances the flavor, and the spinach is a subtle way to sneak in a leafy green veggie for the little ones.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
3 cups medium shell macaroni, uncooked
1 pkg. (6 oz.) fresh baby spinach leaves
4 slices bacon, chopped
2 Tbsp. flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook macaroni as directed on package, adding spinach for the last min. Cook bacon in large saucepan. Remove bacon; save drippings in pan.
Add flour to drippings; cook and stir until bubbly. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes or until thickened.
Stir in 1 cup cheddar and Parmesan; cook and stir until melted. Add bacon and macaroni mixture; mix well.
Spoon into 1-1/2-qt. casserole; top with remaining cheddar. Bake 20 minutes.
5) Oldtimer’s Favorite Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese conjures up warm and fuzzy feelings, including this macaroni and cheese recipe. Melt the hearts of many—both young and old—with cheesy pasta and baked goodness. Does it make your mouth water just thinking about it? If so, take that as a sign: make this delicious dish tonight!
Servings: 6
Ingredients
3 Tbsp. butter or margarine
2 Tbsp. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 pkg. (7 oz.) elbow macaroni (1-3/4 cups), cooked, drained
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt butter in large saucepan on low heat. Add flour and salt; mix well. Cook 2 minutes or until bubbly. Gradually add milk, stirring until well blended. Cook on medium heat until mixture boils and thickens, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low; simmer 3 to 5 minutes or until thickened. Add 1-1/2 cups of the cheese; cook until melted, stirring constantly. Add macaroni; mix lightly.
Spoon into 1-1/2-quart casserole; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
Bake 20 minutes or until heated through.
