Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Simple and Hearty Mac & Cheese Recipe – This Mac and Cheese Recipe is Creamy, Comforting, and Incredibly Satisfying!
This Mac and Cheese recipe is timeless family favorite. Hearty pasta shells, mixed with smoked turkey bits and caramelized onions. Everything is smothered in a rich and creamy sauce with heavy cream, milk, butter and a gooey three-cheese blend; making this dish velvety, savory, and so indulgent!
This is a great dinner recipe to serve at large group gatherings; it’s great for all ages, it’s easy to make in large portions and it works with a variety of side dishes. You can also enjoy this Mac and cheese by yourself as a simple weeknight dinner, on a cold night to fill up your soul with warmth, joy, and endless comfort.
What ingredients do I need for this recipe?
Caramelized Onions (optional):
2 large yellow onions
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
For Mac & Cheese:
6 slices smoked turkey (replace with bacon)
1 pound medium pasta shells
¼ cup butter
¼ cup flour
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon mustard powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 cup gruyere cheese (shredded)
2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
¼ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
How to make this Tasty Mac & Cheese Recipe?
Cut the onions into ¼ inch slices. Add the butter and olive oil in a skillet set over medium heat and once heated add in the sliced onions. Allow them to cook down and caramelize for about 40 minutes while stirring every few minutes (Reduce heat if necessary). Once the onions caramelize, remove from skillet and set aside.
Add the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add in the flour whisking non-stop for about 2 minutes.
Gradually add in the heavy cream while stirring non-stop, then add the milk in the same manner.
Add thyme, garlic powder, mustard powder, and hot sauce and let the mixture reach a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
Cook the mini pasta shells until al dente (don’t overcook it). Drain.
Lower the heat of the sauce and gradually add in the cheese while stirring to incorporate. Add the caramelized onions if you choose to make them alongside the cooked pasta. Using a spatula mix everything gently to ensure it’s combined.
Roughly chop the smoked turkey, stir some of it in the pasta and sprinkle the rest on top. Garnish with parsley and serve right away. Enjoy!
This Hearty Mac and Cheese Recipe is an incredibly easy dish, bursting with flavor with every bite!
Helpful Tips and Variations:
Which pasta shells should I use? You can opt for the classic choice; which is elbow macaroni or you can use small shells, fusilli, rotini, or penne.
How can I replace the heavy cream? You can use half and half, cream cheese, Béchamel sauce, or a mixture of milk and butter for similar texture.
Can I add in any vegetables? Of course! It’s a great way to add color, flavor and nutrition to your recipe. My favorite options for this recipe are chopped broccoli, spinach or sliced mushrooms. You can sauté the veggies separately then add them to the sauce.
Which meat can I add to this recipe? You can add some crispy bacon if you like that crunchy and smoky flavored bite. You can also add ground beef or turkey, ham, sliced sausages, or diced chicken. If you want to level up this simple yet tasty recipe, you can add in some shrimp or lobster; it would make a great dinner recipe for a special occasion.
How can I store any leftovers? To preserve the creaminess of the recipe and to avoid having any odors absorbed, transfer any leftovers into a well-sealed container. I prefer to use a large glass container (microwave safe) so I can easily reheat this recipe. I keep it for up to 5 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer and it the taste never disappoints.
How can I serve this Delicious Mac and Cheese Recipe?
This Mac and Cheese recipe makes a great comforting dinner recipe for casual family dinners; you can serve it in bowls or plates paired with crusty bread. You can also serve it during large family gatherings, holiday dinners or special occasions. Simply serve it in a large casserole dish, surrounded by garlic bread, breadsticks, salads, or sautéed veggies for a hearty, filling and satisfying meal.
Serve this Mac and cheese recipe as a side dish or appetizer during a party, potluck, or a weekend BBQ. Serve small portions in small bowls or ramekins for a nice visual experience
Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- Caramelized Onions optional
- 2 large yellow onions
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For Mac & Cheese
- 6 slices smoked turkey replace with bacon
- 1 pound medium pasta shells
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 cup gruyere cheese shredded
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese shredded
Instructions
- Cut the onions into ¼ inch slices. Add the butter and olive oil in a skillet set over medium heat and once heated add in the sliced onions. Allow them to cook down and caramelize for about 40 minutes while stirring every few minutes (Reduce heat if necessary). Once the onions caramelize, remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add in the flour whisking non-stop for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add in the heavy cream while stirring non-stop, then add the milk in the same manner.
- Add thyme, garlic powder, mustard powder, and hot sauce and let the mixture reach a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Cook the mini pasta shells until al dente (don’t overcook it). Drain.
- Lower the heat of the sauce and gradually add in the cheese while stirring to incorporate. Add the caramelized onions if you choose to make them alongside the cooked pasta. Using a spatula mix everything gently to ensure it’s combined.
- Roughly chop the smoked turkey, stir some of it in the pasta and sprinkle the rest on top. Garnish with parsley and serve right away. Enjoy!
