Description
Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of homemade Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese! This easy recipe delivers that classic flavor right to your kitchen. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded American cheese
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes to create a smooth roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens. Add salt and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in cheddar and American cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Serve immediately for a creamy meal. Optionally, transfer to a 9×13 inch baking dish, top with additional cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting.
- Don’t overcook the macaroni; al dente is best.
- Experiment with cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack.
- Add a breadcrumb topping for a crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking/Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese, homemade macaroni and cheese, easy macaroni recipe, creamy mac and cheese, cheese sauce recipe