Macaroni and Cheese Pioneer Woman

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and creamy Pioneer Woman Macaroni and Cheese recipe! Featuring perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a luxurious, velvety cheese sauce made with a trio of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, this dish is a savory masterpiece. A hint of dry mustard and cayenne pepper adds subtle depth and warmth, while a buttery roux ensures the sauce is irresistibly smooth. Whether served straight from the stovetop or baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this crowd-pleaser is an easy-to-follow recipe that delivers big flavor in just 40 minutes. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave classic homemade mac and cheese at its best!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 4th cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 tsp dry mustard powder
• 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly, and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 3

Gradually pour in the milk and half-and-half, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the dry mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low.

Step 5

Add the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, stirring until completely melted after each addition. Repeat with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until the mixture is creamy and smooth.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until thoroughly combined.

Step 7

Serve immediately while piping hot, or transfer to a buttered baking dish, sprinkle with extra shredded cheddar, and broil for 2–3 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, if desired.

Step 8

Enjoy your comforting homemade macaroni and cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2364 grams (2364.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5520

Total Fat 296.80g	381%
Saturated Fat 181.60g	908%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.40g
Cholesterol 927mg	309%
Sodium 4877mg	212%
Total Carbohydrate 449.30g	163%
Dietary Fiber 17.90g	64%
Total Sugars 73.70g
Protein 265.70g	531%

Vitamin D 429IU	2147%
Calcium 5960mg	458%
Iron 18mg	102%
Potassium 1867mg	40%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.3%

Protein: 19.2%

Carbs: 32.5%