Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese

Craving creamy, cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth macaroni? This Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese recipe is everything you want in a homemade comfort dish—rich, smooth, and bursting with bold cheese flavor. Perfect for holidays, weeknights, potlucks… or just because you deserve it. 💛

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📝 Ingredients:

• 4 cups dried macaroni (elbow pasta)
• 1 whole egg
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 tsp dry mustard (optional but adds great flavor!)
• 1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp seasoned salt (like Lawry’s)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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👩‍🍳 Directions:

1. Cook the macaroni until just firm (al dente). Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to make a roux.
4. Pour in the milk slowly while whisking until smooth and thickened.
5. Whisk in dry mustard, salt, seasoned salt, and pepper.
6. Crack the egg into a separate bowl. Slowly add a few spoonfuls of the hot milk mixture to the egg, whisking constantly to temper it. Then pour the egg mixture into the pot, stirring quickly.
7. Add ¾ of the shredded cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
8. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat.
9. Pour into a buttered baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
10. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. (You can also skip baking for an ultra-creamy stovetop version!)

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💡 Tips & Serving Ideas:

• Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for extra flavor.
• Add crispy bacon, diced jalapeños, or a buttery breadcrumb topping to take it to the next level!
• Serve as a main dish or the ultimate side for BBQ, fried chicken, or holiday ham.

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#MacAndCheeseLovers #PioneerWomanRecipes #CheesyGoodness #ComfortFood #HomemadeMacNCheese 🧀🍝🔥

Warning: You might never go back to the boxed stuff again. 😉