Ree Drummonds Ultimate Comfort Mac Cheese

Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese My Creamy Comfort Recipe

By Zelia ThorneJune 27, 2025

Dreaming of Pioneer Woman mac and cheese This creamy cheesy recipe is pure comfort food Easy to make even better to eat Get my simple tips now ... Noodles

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave that ultimate comfort food? Honestly, who doesn't? This pioneer woman mac and cheese recipe is it. It’s decadent, creamy, and oh-so-cheesy. Prepare yourself for a flavour explosion.

Brief Overview

Mac and cheese is total comfort food. This homemade mac and cheese recipe , inspired by Ree Drummond, turns a classic into something truly special.

It takes around 55 minutes and serves 6-8 people.

Main Benefits

This isn't just any mac and cheese. This Ree Drummond mac and cheese recipe is pure joy. It's perfect for a chilly evening or a family get-together.

But really, anytime is perfect for the ultimate comfort food mac and cheese .

Making Comfort Food Dreams Come True

Honestly, easy mac and cheese recipe are ten a penny, but this one is different. It is next level, and for me it's like coming home after a long day and seeing my dogs.

It's just pure happiness. Here's why you'll love this recipe.

First off, Ree knows what she's doing. This recipe is based on her classic. The secret? It all starts with a good roux. Trust me, take your time with it.

Ree Drummonds Ultimate Comfort Mac Cheese presentation

Ingredients: The Key to Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese

Here is where we make magic. We are talking elbow macaroni, butter, flour, milk, and a whole lot of cheese.

Oh my gosh! We need cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere (if you're feeling fancy), and Parmesan. Get ready for cheesy goodness.

It is the perfect creamy baked mac and cheese for a cheat night.

Step-by-Step to Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese Glory

Don't be scared! Pre-heat that oven to 350° F ( 175° C). Get your pasta cooked al dente. While that's happening, whip up that roux.

Butter and flour, my friends, butter and flour! We're starting that crockpot creamy mac and cheese recipe journey.

Gradually whisk in the milk until you get a smooth, creamy sauce. Now comes the best part: Add all that beautiful cheese! Stir it until it's melty and dreamy.

Then, stir in your cooked pasta.

Pour it all into a baking dish. If you're feeling fancy, add a panko breadcrumb topping with melted butter. Bake it for 20- 25 minutes until it's golden and bubbly.

Let it sit for a bit before serving. Trust me, it's worth the wait. The secret of the perfect Crockpot baked mac and cheese is low and slow!

Tips and Tricks for Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese Perfection

Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente is the way to go. Grate your own cheese! It melts better, honestly. The roux? Low and slow, my friend, low and slow.

Warm the milk a bit before adding it. And let it rest before serving.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Mac'n'Cheese Party Started!

Okay, so you're ready to make some seriously delicious Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese , huh? Fantastic! Let's dive into what you'll need.

No fancy chef stuff here. We're keeping it real. This is all about comfort food mac and cheese .

The Starring Roles: Main Ingredients

Alright, here's the lowdown on the ingredients. Don't skimp on quality, especially with the cheese. It makes a HUGE difference!

Pasta Power:

1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni. Gotta have that classic shape.
Pro tip : Don't overcook it! Aim for al dente. Trust me.

The Creamy Dream Team (Cheese Sauce):

6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter. Use the good stuff.
6 tablespoons (45g) all-purpose flour. This is what makes the roux.
3 cups (710ml) whole milk. Whole milk is the key to richness .
1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt. Season to taste, obviously.
1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) ground black pepper. Freshly ground is best!
1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) ground cayenne pepper (optional). For a little zing .
4 cups (400g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated. This is your base cheese. Get a good block and grate it yourself!
2 cups (200g) Monterey Jack cheese, grated. Adds creaminess and melts beautifully.
1 cup (100g) Gruyere cheese, grated (optional). For that extra sophisticated flavor!
1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided. A little goes into the sauce, a little for the topping.
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (optional). For an extra decadent touch, like Ree Drummond would do.

Optional Extras (For that "wow" factor):

1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs. For a crunchy topping, if you're feeling fancy.
2 tablespoons (30g) melted butter. To toss with the panko.

Spice it Up: Seasoning Notes

Don't be shy with the seasonings! They make a world of difference.

The salt and pepper are non-negotiable. The cayenne is optional but adds a nice kick. If you want to get adventurous, try a pinch of nutmeg or some garlic powder.

Gear Up: Equipment Needed

Alright, nothing too crazy here. Just the basics.

Large pot . For cooking the pasta.
Colander . For draining the pasta. Obvs.
Large saucepan . For making the cheese sauce.
Whisk . A must-have for a smooth sauce.
9x13 inch baking dish . For baking that creamy baked mac and cheese.

See? Nothing too scary! Now, let's get cooking and make this Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese dream a reality! You'll never want to make an easy mac and cheese recipe any other way.

Or perhaps you might even want to try Crockpot Creamy Mac And Cheese Recipe or a Slow Cooker Mac Cheese Recipes .

This will be the Best Crock Pot Mac And Cheese Recipe you will ever try.

Cooking Method: Ree Drummond's Mac & Cheese, Simplified!

Oh my gosh, are we about to talk about mac and cheese? Seriously, who doesn't love mac and cheese? I'm pretty sure it's a universal comfort food.

This Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese recipe will have your family begging for more. Seriously, this might be the best crock pot mac and cheese recipe that I've ever made.

Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Mise en Place On!

Before you even think about turning on the hob, get everything sorted. I'm talking essential mise en place , people! Grate your cheeses.

Measure out your flour and milk. Chop anything that needs chopping. Trust me, this time-saving organization will save you a lot of stress later.

Remember, sharp knives are safer than dull ones. Keep those fingers tucked away!

Let's Get Cooking: Step-by-Step to Cheesy Goodness

Okay, deep breath. We're doing this! This isn't too hard even for the newest of home cooks. It’s an easy mac and cheese recipe , I promise!

Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Cook your elbow macaroni until it's al dente . We're talking firm to the tooth, not mushy.
Melt 6 tablespoons (85g) of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 6 tablespoons (45g) of flour. Cook for 2- 3 minutes , stirring constantly.
Slowly whisk in 3 cups (710ml) of milk. Keep stirring! Bring it to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5- 7 minutes .
Take the pan off the heat. Stir in 4 cups (400g) of cheddar, 2 cups (200g) of Monterey Jack, 1 cup (100g) of Gruyere, and 1/4 cup (50g) of Parmesan cheese. Add 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) of salt, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) of black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy! Keep stirring until everything melts. Add 1/2 cup (120ml) of cream if you are wanting it even creamer.
Stir in the cooked macaroni.
Pour everything into a baking dish.
Combine 1 cup (100g) of panko with 2 tablespoons (30g) of melted butter if you want the top crunchy. Then Sprinkle the remaining cheese all over.
Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until golden brown and bubbly. Leave to stand for 5- 10 minutes, its important to let it set!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Mac!

Here's a secret weapon: grate your own cheese! Pre-shredded cheese has additives that stop it from melting smoothly. Honestly, this makes a massive difference.

Another tip? Don't overcook the pasta, or else it will be all mushy in the oven. If you want, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Also, I have made Crockpot creamy mac and cheese recipe variations where I cook this in the slow cooker for longer and lower heat, so many options! Honestly, mastering this homemade mac and cheese recipe will make you a legend.

Ree Drummond would be proud! So grab your ingredients and let’s make some comfort food.

Recipe Notes for the Best Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese

Alright, let's chat about nailing this Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese recipe . Honestly, even the easiest mac and cheese recipe can be elevated with a few tips.

We're aiming for creamy perfection, just like Ree Drummond Mac and Cheese . Trust me, it's worth the little extra effort.

It truly is the comfort food mac and cheese that you're looking for.

Serving Suggestions: Making it Look Fancy (Sort Of)

So, presentation. Don't stress! A simple scoop into a bowl is perfect. But, if you're feeling fancy, sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top.

A side of roasted broccoli? Total win. And a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc? Chef's kiss! For a hearty meal pair it with barbeque ribs or pulled pork, that's pure comfort food heaven!

Storage Tips: Leftovers? What Leftovers?

Okay, if you somehow manage to have leftovers, here's the deal. Pop that creamy baked mac and cheese into an airtight container.

Into the fridge it goes! It'll be good for about 3-4 days. Freezing? I'm not a fan. It can get a bit weird.

Reheating? Oven is best! Just add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Microwave works in a pinch.

Variations: Get Creative (But Not Too Crazy)

Want to switch things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Some steamed broccoli? Sure! Make it a vegetarian mac .

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and flour. Easy peasy. Some people even use Crockpot Baked Mac And Cheese recipes and claim it makes it extra special.

Slow Cooker Mac Cheese Recipes are worth exploring! And if you're looking for a Best Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe ? Give it a whirl! Dietary adaptations are easy.

Nutrition Basics: The Good (and Not-So-Good)

Let's be real, this isn't health food. But, it's soul food! It's got protein from the cheese, some calcium, and carbs for energy.

Just don't eat the whole pan in one sitting. Everything in moderation, right? A single serving has around 650-750 calories, depending on how much cheese you add.

But hey, treat yourself. We all deserve some comfort food now and then.

Honestly? This pioneer woman mac and cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don't be afraid to experiment a little. And most importantly? Have fun in the kitchen! The secret is in the creaminess of the Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe .

You got this! And it's not as hard to make as the Crockpot Creamy Mac And Cheese Recipe .

Creamy Mac Cheese The Ultimate Comfort Recipe pioneer woman mac and cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to prevent a lumpy cheese sauce when making Pioneer Woman mac and cheese?

Lumps are the bane of any cheese sauce! First, make sure your roux (butter and flour mixture) is smooth and cooked for a few minutes before adding the milk. Gradually whisk in warm milk instead of cold, and keep the heat at medium-low, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Patience, young Padawan, patience!

Can I make Pioneer Woman mac and cheese ahead of time?

You bet! You can assemble the mac and cheese in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time, and make sure it's heated through. Think of it as your little secret weapon for a stress-free dinner party!

My Pioneer Woman mac and cheese turned out a bit dry. How can I fix it?

Oh dear, that's a bummer! If your mac is dry, stir in a little extra warmed milk or heavy cream after baking to loosen it up. You can also melt a bit more butter and stir that in. Next time, make sure your pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue to absorb moisture in the oven.

What are some good cheese substitutions for the Pioneer Woman mac and cheese recipe?

Variety is the spice of life! If you don't have Monterey Jack, try using mild cheddar, Colby, or even Havarti. For the Gruyere, Swiss or Fontina will work wonders. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect cheesy blend – just avoid anything too strongly flavored that might overpower the dish.

How do I store leftover Pioneer Woman mac and cheese?

Leftover mac and cheese is practically a food group, isn't it? Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave it in short bursts, stirring in a splash of milk to keep it creamy, or bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Can I add any protein or veggies to the Pioneer Woman mac and cheese recipe to make it a complete meal?

Absolutely! Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon or shredded cooked chicken or ham for some protein. For veggies, steamed broccoli florets, peas, roasted butternut squash, or even sauteed mushrooms would be delicious additions. It's your mac and cheese canvas – paint it however you like!