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Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 131 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/cracker-barrel-mac-and-cheese-recipe/