Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort food favorite that’s easy to make at home. With its rich sauce and baked golden edges, this dish brings a nostalgic touch to your dinner table.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups Large Elbow Macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 cup Salted Butter
• 1/4 cup All Purpose Flour
• 2 1/2 cup Whole Milk
• 2 1/2 cup Shredded Colby Cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon Pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Add 4 cups of water and the salt to a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente, then drain.
3. Step 3: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
4. Step 4: Slowly whisk the milk into the roux, whisking constantly. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce begins to thicken.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese 1/2 cup at a time until melted and smooth.
6. Step 6: Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until well coated.
7. Step 7: Pour the mixture into a baking dish or cast iron pan.
8. Step 8: Bake uncovered for 10-12 minutes until the edges begin to brown.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of cheeses like sharp cheddar and mozzarella for extra flavor and stretchiness.
• Add a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a subtle kick.
• For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the dish before baking.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and pasta.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute Colby cheese with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend to suit your taste preferences.

What if I don’t have a cast iron pan?

Any oven-safe baking dish will work well for baking the mac and cheese, such as glass or ceramic casserole dishes.

Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Recipe

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This Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese recipe offers a creamy, cheesy, and comforting classic American dish made with elbow macaroni, a rich roux-based cheese sauce, and baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect for a family dinner or a side dish with your favorite meal.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 2 1/2 cups Large Elbow Macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 teaspoon Salt

Cheese Sauce

• 1/4 cup Salted Butter
• 1/4 cup All Purpose Flour
• 2 1/2 cups Whole Milk
• 2 1/2 cups Shredded Colby Cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon Pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the dish later.
2. Cook Pasta: Add 4 cups of water and the salt to a large pot. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, then drain the pasta well.
3. Make Roux: In a separate saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium-high heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux that will thicken the sauce.
4. Add Milk: Slowly whisk the whole milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking the sauce, whisking often, until it begins to thicken and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Incorporate Cheese: Remove the sauce from the heat and gradually add the shredded Colby cheese in half-cup increments, stirring until each addition melts completely into a smooth cheese sauce. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the cooked and drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until all the pasta is well-coated.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into a baking dish or a cast iron pan, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the macaroni and cheese begin to brown and get slightly crispy.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set and enhance the flavors.

Notes

• Using Colby cheese gives a milder flavor; feel free to substitute with cheddar or a blend of cheeses for variation.
• For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.
• This dish can be prepared ahead and reheated; just add a splash of milk when reheating to maintain creaminess.
• Be sure to cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook during baking.
• Use a heavy oven-safe dish like cast iron for improved heat distribution and a crispier crust.

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, cheddar cheese pasta, comfort food, classic American recipe