Pioneer Woman's Mac and Cheese

Pioneer Woman Macaroni and Cheese | realmomkitchen.com

5 from 2 votes

Pioneer Woman's Mac and Cheese

This recipe creates a rich and creamy mac and cheese by building a classic roux-based sauce enriched with an egg for extra smoothness. The pasta is cooked until very firm before being coated in the cheesy sauce, which is seasoned generously. You have the option to serve it immediately for ultimate creaminess or bake it in the oven with extra cheese for a bubbly, golden finish.

Course Main Dish, Meatless

Cuisine American

Keyword cheese, macaroni and cheese, pasta

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Baking 25

Total Time 55

Servings servings

Calories 548kcal

Author Laura

Equipment

Ingredients

4 cups macaroni dry
¼ cup butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2-½ cups whole milk I use 1 1/2 cups skim milk and 1 cup cream
2 tsp dry mustard, more if desired (I am gonna try half that amount)
1 whole egg
1 lb cheese grated (I used a combo of sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, and Monterrey jack)
½ tsp salt more to taste
½ tsp seasoned salt more to taste
½ tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

Cook macaroni until very firm. Macaroni should be too firm to eat right out of the pot. Drain.
In a small bowl, beat egg.
In a large pot, melt butter and sprinkle in flour. Whisk together over medium-low heat. Cook mixture for five minutes, whisking constantly. Don’t let it burn.
Pour in milk, add mustard, and whisk until smooth. Cook for five minutes or until very thick. Reduce heat to low.
Take 1/4 cup of the sauce and slowly pour it into beaten egg, whisking constantly to avoid cooking eggs. Whisk together till smooth.
Pour egg mixture into sauce, whisking constantly. Stir until smooth.
Add in cheese and stir to melt.
Add salts and pepper. Taste sauce and add more salt and seasoned salt as needed! DO NOT UNDERSALT.
Pour in drained, cooked macaroni and stir to combine.
Serve immediately (very creamy, which is how I am serving it next time) or pour into a buttered 9 x 13 inch baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

Nutrition