bacon
cheese
chicken
chives
dinner
fontina
fried chicken
horseradish
spicy
lunch
mac n cheese
onions
pasta
potato chips
sauces
sour cream
spinach
steak
This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors.

If you are using ad-blocking software, please disable it and reload the page.
Playing The Only Macaroni and Cheese Recipe You Will Ever Need

The Only Macaroni and Cheese Recipe You Will Ever Need

Donnie Wahlberg + Jenny McCarthy Say Rach Is Such a "Joy" + Look…

Donnie Wahlberg Spills Details About NKOTB's First Ever Conventi…

The Best Moments From 17 Seasons of the Show Will Make You Laugh…

How to Make Crabby Carbonara | Rachael Ray

Rach Chats "Firsts" In Flashback From Our First Episode Ever In …

How to Make Tortilla with Potatoes, Piquillo Peppers and Mancheg…

How to Make Sesame Cookies | Buddy Valastro

Rach's Chef Pals Say Goodbye to Show in Surprise Video Message

How to Make Apple-Cider Braised Pork Chop Sandwiches with Onion …

How to Make Spanakopipasta | Rachael Ray

Andrew McCarthy Teases Upcoming "Brat Pack" Reunion Special

Michelle Obama Toasts Rach's 17 Years on the Air With a Heartfel…

How to Make Shrimp Burgers | Jacques Pepin

Celebrity Guests Send Farewell Messages After 17 Seasons of the …

Andrew McCarthy Chokes Up Discussing Emotional Trip to Spain wit…

Celebrity Guests Send Farewell Messages After 17 Seasons of the …

Should You Be Eating Nature Cereal? Dr. Ian Explains This Social…

Rach Shares Her Preferred Way To Cook a Chuck Roast

Should You Opt for Hydrogen Peroxide To Clean Your Ear Wax?

Please read this important message from General Mills regarding their recent flour recall: http://www.generalmills.com/flour

Add the mix-ins of your choosing to the base mac and cheese recipe. Try all three!

 

Ingredients

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
For the Bechamel Cheese Sauce
  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups milk
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
French Onion Mix-Ins
  • 1/2 cup caramelized onions
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • Toasted breadcrumbs and a few baby's handful of sliced chives
Southern Mix-Ins
  • 1 cup pimiento cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked cold collard greens, chopped and drained of excess liquid
  • 1 cup leftover boneless fried chicken, chopped
  • Toasted breadcrumbs and chopped parsley, for topping
  • Jalapeño-infused vinegar, for serving
Steakhouse Mix-Ins
  • 1/4 cup leftover cooked spinach or even better, creamed spinach
  • 4 tablespoons bacon bits
  • 3 tar spoons sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon horseradish
  • 1/4 cup, chopped leftover steak or beef roast (optional)
  • 1/4 shredded Fontina or pepper jack cheese
  • Breadcrumbs, finely chopped chives and crushed up potato chips, for topping

Yield

Serves: 6

Preparation

Cook macaroni 1 minute shy of al dente in boiling, salted water. Drain and reserve.

For the Bechamel Cheese Sauce, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a dark blonde roux the consistency of wet sand. Whisk in the milk to combine thoroughly. Add the salt and nutmeg, and cook for 15 minutes—make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot periodically so the sauce does not burn. Add the cheese in handfuls, stir to melt and remove pan from heat.


Preheat broiler.

Add the reserved macaroni to the sauce and gently fold all together. Fold in the mix-ins of your choice then pour everything into a large casserole dish. Top with appropriate toppings and place under the broiler until bubbly and brown.