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This Cracker Barrel mac and cheese copycat recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying, it’s easy to make at home in just 50 minutes. Featuring perfectly cooked macaroni coated in a velvety cheese sauce with crispy, browned edges, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings the delicious flavors of the restaurant to your kitchen. Whether as a side dish or the main course, this mac and cheese will never disappoint.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
¼ cup + ½ stick salted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups whole milk
3 cups Colby-Jack cheese, shredded
Salt to taste
Extra salt for pasta water
Black pepper to taste
Parsley for garnish

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Follow the package instructions and cook the macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Roux: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 2 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce: Gradually add the milk to the saucepan, a couple of tablespoons at a time, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth. Let it cook until the sauce thickens, stirring frequently.
Add the Cheese: Stir in 2 ½ cups of shredded Colby-Jack cheese, mixing until smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mac and cheese into a casserole dish and top with the remaining shredded cheese.
Broil: Place the dish in the oven and broil for 4 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.
Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 388
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 53mg
Sodium: 163mg
Potassium: 267mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Vitamin A: 635IU
Calcium: 140mg
Iron: 1mg

The Comfort of Homemade Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a dish that holds a special place in many people’s hearts. It evokes memories of comfort, warmth, and indulgence. This copycat Cracker Barrel recipe stays true to the essence of mac and cheese—rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. But what makes this version so appealing is its ability to bring the comforting flavors of a restaurant favorite into the home kitchen with ease.

The creamy sauce envelops each piece of pasta, and the golden, crispy edges formed by broiling in the oven add an irresistible texture that elevates the dish. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence, and whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty main dish or enjoying it on its own, this mac and cheese will surely be a hit with everyone at the table.

Perfectly Cooked Macaroni: The Foundation of the Dish

The foundation of any great mac and cheese is, of course, the pasta. In this recipe, elbow macaroni is the star ingredient, providing just the right size and shape to hold the creamy cheese sauce. When cooked properly, macaroni provides a perfect base, tender yet firm enough to absorb the sauce without becoming mushy.

One of the key elements in making the perfect macaroni is ensuring that it’s cooked al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. Cooking the pasta just right ensures it doesn’t get soggy when combined with the cheese sauce, and it holds its shape and texture even after being mixed with the creamy mixture. The pasta is then drained, set aside, and combined with the luscious cheese sauce to create a smooth and satisfying dish.

The Creamy Roux: The Heart of the Cheese Sauce

What makes this mac and cheese stand out is the creamy cheese sauce. The sauce starts with a simple roux made from butter and flour. This roux acts as the base, thickening the sauce and giving it that silky smooth texture that coats the pasta so perfectly. The butter is melted, and then the flour is added to form a smooth paste. This mixture is cooked for a few minutes to ensure it has no raw flour taste and to create a thicker base for the sauce.

Once the roux is ready, milk is gradually added in stages, creating a smooth mixture that thickens as it cooks. This step is essential for ensuring that the sauce is creamy and not lumpy. After the milk is fully incorporated, the sauce is allowed to cook for a few minutes until it thickens and becomes velvety. This creates a rich base that will coat the pasta evenly, giving every bite that signature creamy texture.

The Magic of Colby-Jack Cheese

No mac and cheese would be complete without cheese, and this recipe uses a combination of Colby-Jack cheese to create a creamy, melty sauce that’s full of flavor. Colby-Jack cheese is an excellent choice because it melts beautifully, creating that smooth, stringy texture we all love in mac and cheese. The sharp cheddar cheese in the mix adds a bit of tang and sharpness, complementing the milder flavor of the Colby-Jack.

The two cheeses blend together to create a luscious sauce that coats the macaroni perfectly, making every bite rich and indulgent. The cheese sauce is the star of the dish, and using high-quality shredded cheese ensures that the flavor and texture are top-notch.

Crispy, Golden Top: The Best Part

While the creamy cheese sauce is the highlight of the dish, the crispy, golden top is what makes this mac and cheese extra special. After combining the pasta and cheese sauce, the mixture is transferred to a baking dish and topped with additional shredded cheese. The dish is then broiled in the oven, which allows the cheese on top to melt and brown, forming a delicious, slightly crispy crust.

The broiling process is key to achieving that perfect golden layer on top. It adds texture and depth to the dish, providing a contrast to the creamy pasta below. The crispy, bubbly cheese topping is one of the best parts of this mac and cheese, giving each serving a satisfying crunch that complements the smoothness of the sauce.

A Versatile Dish for All Occasions

This Cracker Barrel mac and cheese copycat recipe is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a family dinner or a holiday meal, or enjoying it as a main course on its own, this dish fits the bill for any gathering. It’s great for weeknight dinners, where you want something hearty and comforting, but it’s also sophisticated enough to be served at a special occasion or a more formal dinner.

The beauty of mac and cheese is that it pairs well with just about anything. It’s perfect alongside roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or even a fresh salad. It’s also great for potlucks or barbecues, where it can easily be made in advance and served to a crowd. The rich, cheesy flavor is universally loved, making it a reliable and delicious choice for any event.

Making It Ahead of Time

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s easy to make ahead of time. If you’re hosting a large dinner or preparing a meal for the week, you can assemble the mac and cheese in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes it an ideal dish for meal prepping, as it can be reheated and served without losing its flavor or texture.

If you’re preparing it for a special occasion, you can even prepare the dish the day before and pop it in the oven to bake and broil just before serving. The convenience of making it ahead allows you to focus on other parts of your meal while still delivering a warm, fresh, and comforting dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Cracker Barrel mac and cheese copycat recipe is the ultimate comfort food. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and crispy, golden topping, it brings the rich, indulgent flavors of the classic dish into your home with ease. Whether served as a side or the main course, this mac and cheese will never disappoint. Its simplicity and versatility make it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, holiday meals, or even casual get-togethers. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that tastes just as good as what you’d find at your favorite restaurant. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a comforting bowl of mac and cheese that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to your table!

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