Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this step-by-step guide to making perfect Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese at home! This creamy, cheesy delight is easy to make and guaranteed to be a family favorite. Learn the secrets to a rich, decadent mac and cheese that rivals the restaurant version.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Grate the cheddar cheese. Reserve about 1 cup for topping, if baking.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Add the dry mustard and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until well combined.
- Slowly add the grated cheese, one handful at a time, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish (optional) and sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top (Optional to bake).
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly (Optional to bake).
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For the best results, use freshly grated cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Cook the macaroni al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the cheese sauce.
- Don’t rush the sauce-making process. Low and slow is the key to a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Customize your macaroni and cheese by adding cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken.
- Mix in some steamed broccoli or peas for added nutrients.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese, Mac and Cheese, Macaroni and Cheese, Homemade Mac and Cheese, Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe, Creamy Mac and Cheese, Cheese Sauce, Comfort Food, Cheddar Cheese