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Mac and cheese is a timeless classic that brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite. Cracker Barrel, a renowned restaurant chain known for its Southern-style cuisine, has gained a reputation for its mouthwatering mac and cheese.
If you’re eager to recreate this beloved dish in the comfort of your own kitchen, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll unveil a delectable Cracker Barrel mac and cheese recipe that captures the essence of their famous version. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more!
Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
To replicate the rich and creamy goodness of Cracker Barrel’s mac and cheese, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound (16 ounces) elbow macaroni (recommendation)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Colby cheese, shredded (recommendation)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard (recommendation)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
1. Cook the macaroni:
- Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the instructions on the package. Cook until it reaches al dente consistency. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
2. Prepare the cheese sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until the mixture turns slightly golden.
- Gradually pour in the milk while continuously whisking to prevent any lumps from forming. Cook the mixture for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and comes to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar and Colby cheeses, stirring constantly until they melt and blend into a smooth sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt, ground mustard, black pepper, and paprika. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.
3. Combine the macaroni and cheese sauce:
- Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni. Stir gently to ensure that every macaroni piece is evenly coated with the luscious cheese sauce.
4. Baking the mac and cheese (optional):
- If you prefer a crispy top layer, transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle some additional shredded cheese on top and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
5. Serving and garnishing:
- Once the mac and cheese is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven (if baked) and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it hot and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or chopped parsley for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Calorie Information
The calorie information for this recipe can vary depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients used, as well as serving size. However, a rough estimate for a serving of this mac and cheese recipe (assuming it serves 8) would be approximately 500-600 calories per serving.
Best Mac and Cheese Cookbooks
If you’re a fan of this beloved dish and eager to explore its endless variations and flavor combinations, then look no further. Here, we present to you a selection of extraordinary mac and cheese cookbooks that will take your love for this classic dish to new heights.
1. The Mac + Cheese Cookbook
Homeroom, a popular restaurant in Oakland, California, known for its mac and cheese-centric menu, has released a delightful cookbook that celebrates the joy of this beloved comfort food. In “The Mac + Cheese Cookbook,” they share their secrets and provide a variety of retro, decadent, and kid-friendly mac and cheese recipes that will surely satisfy all cravings.
The cookbook features a wide range of inventive dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences. From nostalgic homestyle recipes like Tuna Mac to international variations like Sriracha Mac, and indulgent options like Truffle Mac, there’s something to please every palate. The cookbook even ventures into the world of Vegan Mac, offering a logic-defying yet delicious plant-based version.
2. Mac & Cheese: More than 80 Classic and Creative Comfort Food
Macaroni and cheese, the creamy and comforting side dish loved by all, is given a creative twist in this cookbook. Author Ellen Brown presents over 80 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the versatility of mac and cheese, offering a delightful range of flavors and combinations.
From classic renditions featuring various cheeses to more adventurous creations such as Goat Cheese and Boursin Mac and Cheese or Chesapeake Crab Mac and Cheese, there’s something to suit every taste. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, book club meeting, or looking for a holiday side dish, this cookbook provides options like Mac and Cheese Soufflé with Country Ham that will impress your guests.
3. Trap Kitchen: Mac N’ All Over The World
“Trap Kitchen: Mac’N All Over The World” is a tantalizing collection of 50 macaroni and cheese recipes that combines the soul of Compton’s Trap Kitchen with flavors from around the globe. With a foreword by Snoop Dogg, this cookbook showcases the journey of two chefs who have risen from humble beginnings to culinary success.
From the heart of Compton to regions worldwide, this cookbook takes readers on a flavorful journey. It captures the essence of Trap Kitchen’s fusion of local favorites with international influences, offering a unique twist on the classic mac and cheese. Prepare to be inspired and tantalize your taste buds with the enticing creations found within the pages of “Trap Kitchen: Mac’N All Over The World.”
The Cracker Barrel mac and cheese recipe shared in this article offers you a chance to recreate the magic of this beloved dish in your own kitchen. By following these simple steps, you’ll be rewarded with a sumptuous, velvety mac and cheese that will surely delight your taste buds.
Whether you serve it as a comforting side dish or a satisfying main course, this recipe captures the essence of Cracker Barrel’s iconic mac and cheese. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and savor the incredible flavors of this timeless classic!
