Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Cracker Barrel Macaroni and Cheese, a rich and decadent copycat recipe that brings the beloved restaurant classic right to your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded American cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Add salt and pepper.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the cheddar and American cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the macaroni; cook it al dente to prevent mushiness.
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk to reach the desired consistency.
- For a crispy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan over the mac and cheese before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 500 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg