Description
Craving Cracker Barrel’s Mac and Cheese? This copycat recipe delivers creamy, cheesy comfort right to your kitchen. A simple homemade macaroni and cheese recipe that’s perfect as a side dish or main course. Enjoy the classic taste with freshly shredded cheddar and a velvety béchamel sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Shred the cheddar cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts best.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps. Stir until sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Optional: Transfer to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Don’t Overcook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni until it’s al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the cheese sauce.
- Whisk Constantly: When making the béchamel sauce, whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Low and Slow: Melt the cheese over low heat to ensure it melts smoothly and doesn’t become grainy.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese, Mac and Cheese Recipe, Copycat Recipe, Homemade Macaroni and Cheese, Easy Mac and Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Comfort Food