Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the creamy, restaurant-quality comfort of Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese, a timeless classic that combines rich, velvety cheese sauce with tender elbow macaroni. This baked mac and cheese recipe features a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and Colby cheeses, enhanced by the perfect hint of paprika for a touch of warmth. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a golden, bubbling finish from the oven, this dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave ultimate comfort food. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, this Cracker Barrel-inspired favorite will quickly become your go-to mac and cheese recipe!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2.5 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups Colby cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until it forms a paste (roux).

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar and Colby cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir until the macaroni is completely coated.

Step 8

Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 10

Allow the mac and cheese to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1528.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3993.8

Total Fat 277.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 165.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g
Cholesterol 857.2mg	0%
Sodium 5200.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 214.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.4g	0%
Total Sugars 36.7g
Protein 149.5g	0%

Vitamin D 352.4IU	0%
Calcium 3573.0mg	0%
Iron 11.6mg	0%
Potassium 1351.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.2%

Protein: 15.1%

Carbs: 21.7%