Bake for about 1/2 to 3/4 hour in 350 degree oven. Pioneer Woman mac and cheese has a thick creamy texture and enough cheesy goodness to make both young and old (er) giddy with excitement over dinner Prep Time15 mins. You may prepare it this far and bake it later. Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes or until top is browned. Lightly drizzle with melted butter or give a quick spray with cooking spray (the cooking spray is a lighter method, however the melted butter drizzle is much more tasty). Sprinkle top of casseroles with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Pour in remaining 2 cups milk and sprinkle with bread crumbs or Ritz crumbs. Spoon macaroni and cheese into greased baking dishes. Add this to macaroni and mix well to coat macaroni. (It's best to do this in a non-stick pan if available.) Add salt and white pepper (this is for those who 'think' they don't like pepper, they won't even see the white pepper!) Add roux and stir until well thickened. While macaroni is cooking, heat 8 cups milk, add cheeses and cook over medium heat while stirring to melt cheese. (Or put flour and butter in bowl, microwave for 1 minute, stir to mix, and microwave for another 1/2 minute.) Set aside to cool.Ĭook macaroni according to package directions. Make a roux (a thickener, pronounced 'rue') by melting butter, add flour and stir, then cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes to cook out 'floury' taste, while stirring constantly. Or 1 small box Ritz crackers, crumbled and mixed with 1/2 cup melted butter.
