Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese Recipe
The Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese Recipe is creamy, rich and very comforting. It is perfect for family meals. This dish uses simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni – 3 cups
- Butter – 4 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour – ¼ cup
- Whole milk – 2½ cups
- Heavy cream – ½ cup
- Cheddar cheese shredded – 2 cups
- Monterey Jack cheese shredded – 1 cup
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Paprika – ½ teaspoon
- Dry mustard – ¼ teaspoon
- Breadcrumbs – ½ cup
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. This helps the mac and cheese bake evenly.
Cook the Pasta
- Boil water in a large pot. Add salt generously. Cook macaroni until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
Melt the Butter
- In a saucepan, melt butter on medium heat. Do not let it brown. Keep stirring gently.
Make the Roux
- Add flour to melted butter. Whisk constantly. Cook for one minute. This removes raw flour taste.
Add Milk and Cream
- Slowly pour milk and cream into the pan. Whisk continuously. The sauce will thicken slowly and smoothly.
Season the Sauce
- Add salt, pepper, paprika and dry mustard. Stir well. Let the sauce simmer for two minutes.
Add the Cheese
- Lower the heat. Add shredded cheeses gradually. Stir until melted and smooth. The sauce should look creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently. Make sure all pasta is coated evenly.
Assemble the Dish
- Pour mixture into the baking dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle breadcrumbs lightly over the top.
Bake the Mac and Cheese
- Place dish in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes. The top should look lightly golden and bubbly.
Rest Before Serving
- Remove dish carefully. Let it rest for five minutes. This helps the sauce thicken more.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting.
- Do not overcook the pasta.
- Stir sauce constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add more milk if sauce feels thick.
- Let it rest before serving.