Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese

Ryan Nadolny | Ryan Eats Everything

This mouthwatering Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese recipe is sure to delight even the pickiest of eaters. A crowd favorite that goes with everything from hot dogs to steak.

When it comes to The Pioneer Woman, no one comes close to her stick-to-your-ribs comfort meals. This Pioneer Woman mac and cheese recipe is no different and guaranteed to feel like a big hug on the inside. Creamy, cheesy, delicious goodness!

Her recipe for country fried steak is also a popular one around here. Serve it with fluffy mashed potatoes and you’ll be begging for seconds. My favorite kind of dinner for sure.

Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese Recipe Photo

Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese

Unless you’ve been living under a rock your whole life, you’ve likely had mac and cheese. No one knows how far back the recipe goes, but the oldest one found so far is from 1769!

If you go to Google search “Mac and Cheese”, you’ll have over 276 million choices to pick from. I haven’t personally tried cooking that many recipes, but I have made several different kinds and this is the one I always come back to again and again.

The Pioneer Woman mac and cheese recipe is a relatively easy meal to prepare that will have you feeding faces in under an hour. It can be served as the main dish or as a side to complement either meat or veggies.

This particular recipe is my go-to, especially if it’s a last minute decision. And with four kids forever going in four different directions, it’s almost always a last minute decision.

It’s also a dish with ingredients I almost always have on hand. Boil pasta, make a roux, mix it all together with some seasonings and voilà! Easy peasy mac n’ cheesy!

Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese Recipe Picture

How to Serve Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese

This is one of those dishes that goes great with just about everything. Having white chicken chili tonight? Why not serve it with a side of mac and cheese?

Who is going to stop you from living your best life? Not me, that’s for sure. Absolutely no one is turning down a bowl of cheesy pasta.

Mac and cheese is an absolute must-have side dish for sweet and spicy barbecue. They go together like croutons on a salad or hard pretzels in pub cheese.

You just can’t have one without the other. It would also pair very well with The Pioneer Woman Salisbury Steak recipe.

If you’re looking for a main dish, you’ve once again picked a stellar option. Dress it up with some ground hamburger, smoked sausage, shredded chicken, or even broccoli or peas.

The versatility of mac and cheese is what makes it such a fan favorite among children and adults. Mac and cheese isn't pretentious. It isn’t a seasonal dish. It’s perfect for any occasion, anytime of the year.

Can You Freeze Mac and Cheese?

In the rare instance that you have a lot of mac and cheese leftover or maybe you want to make it ahead of time, it freezes exceptionally well.

If you’re planning to freeze it in a plastic container, coat the inside with butter first. This will help get it out when you’re ready to reheat down the road.

Gallon freezer bags also work great, especially if you have a vacuum sealer. You could even freeze them in smaller portions for easy lunches or snacks.

When reheating, you may need to add a little cream or some milk to help reconstitute the cheese. Cook it low and slow, stirring often, so your sauce doesn’t break or burn to the bottom of your pan.

Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese Recipe Image

Sure, you could whip up one of those blue cardboard boxes with that package of cheese dust, in practically no time. But where is the fun in that?!

This foolproof recipe doesn’t take much more time or effort and it will be worlds apart in flavor and texture.

Like we've said, no one does comfort food like The Pioneer Woman. As we roll into the colder months, be sure to check out her other recipes like this mexican rice casserole that all comes together in one dish, making clean-up a breeze.

Another family favorite is the Pioneer Woman veggie chili. As a meat eater and a chili purest, I didn’t think I would like this, but the flavor is incredible. You hardly notice that it’s meat-free and you don’t miss it, either.

Before scarfing down a big bowl of this stuff, I make sure I have my favorite bottle of hot sauce and some bacon for dipping! What would you add to your bowl?

To finish off your comfort food feast, why not try the Pioneer Woman mocha brownies or strawberry oatmeal bars? Both are absolutely delicious!

Planning a dinner party and need some inspiration?

How about looking for a new slow cooker dinner idea?

We’ve got you covered in our ever-growing Facebook group! If you’re not a member yet, why not?!

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We’re chatting cooking techniques, dessert ideas, and everything in between. If you’re already a member, invite your friends to join us too!

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Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese

      6 Servings

Ingredients

  • 4 cups Elbow Macaroni, dried
  • 1 large Egg
  • 4 tablespoons Salted Butter
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 1/2 cups Whole Milk
  • 1 tablespoon Dry Mustard
  • 3 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt, plus more for taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Lawry's Seasoned Salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. While the oven is preheating, cook the elbow macaroni per the package instructions just until very firm, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In the meantime, beat the egg the egg in a small bowl and set aside.
  4. In a large heavy bottom pot, add the butter and heat until melted.
  5. Add the flour by sprinkling it over top the melted butter then whisk together over medium-low heat.
  6. Continue to cook the butter and flour mixture for about 5 minutes, whisking constantly to avoid burning.
  7. Add the milk and mustard powder, then whisk vigorously until nice and smooth.
  8. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until very thick before reducing the heat to low.
  9. Ladle about 1/4 cup slowly into the bowl with the beaten egg, whisking rapidly to avoid cooking the egg.
  10. Add the egg mixture into the sauce, whisking until smooth.
  11. Add in half of the cheese and stir to melt. Once mostly incoporated, add the remaining cheese and continuing stirring until melted and creamy.
  12. Add the salt, seasoned salt and pepper then mix to combine. Taste for seaoning level and add more salt, seasoned salt and pepper to taste.
  13. Dump the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and fold until fully coated.
  14. Transfer the mac and cheese to a lightly greased baking dish and top with additional grated cheese.
  15. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbling and slightly golden.
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Side Dishes
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Related Recipes:
Macaroni and Cheese Recipes, Easy Dinner Recipes, Comfort Food Recipes, Cheese Recipes, Side Dish Recipes, Family Meals and Snack Recipes
Recipe Yields:
6 serving
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
baking:
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Published:
Author: Ryan Nadolny
Recipe Yields: 6 serving
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition Facts

Servings Per Recipe 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories from Fat 241
Calories 648

% Daily Value*
46%
Total Fat 30g
93%
  Saturated Fat 19g
13%
Sodium 305mg
20%
Total Carbohydrate 61g
3%
  Dietary Fiber 2g
  Sugars 7g
56%
Protein 28g

* Percent Daily Value are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrition Facts are estimated based on ingredients and data provided by Fat Secret. Please consult a doctor if you have special dietary needs.

Ryan is a food and writer from Toledo, Ohio where he's had a love affair with food since 1984. When he's not cooking or writing, he's planning the next he wants to eat.

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