Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese is a creamy and savory recipe, which is made with a simple cream cheese sauce and a crunchy French fried onion topping. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 30 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese with French Fried Onions Ingredients
- 16 oz rotini noodles
- 8 oz cream cheese brick, cubed
- 12 oz evaporated milk
- 2 cups milk
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups french fried onions (such as French’s)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (for pasta water)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How To Make Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese with French Fried Onions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water and the olive oil to a boil. Add the dry rotini noodles and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: At the same time, in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-low heat, combine the cubed cream cheese, evaporated milk, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Melt and Thicken: Cook, stirring frequently, until the cheeses have completely melted and the sauce is smooth, creamy, and has thickened slightly. Be careful not to let the mixture burn on the bottom.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked, drained rotini noodles to the cheese sauce and stir until the mixture is heated through and the pasta is well coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the mac and cheese to a large serving dish or individual bowls. Top generously with the french fried onions and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the creamiest sauce? The secret is using a combination of cream cheese and evaporated milk. This creates an incredibly smooth, stable sauce that won’t break or become grainy. Also, be sure to melt the cheeses over a gentle, medium-low heat.
- What’s the best cheese to use? A good sharp cheddar provides the classic mac and cheese flavor. For the smoothest melt, it is always best to shred your own cheese from a block.
- Can I bake this mac and cheese? Absolutely! For a casserole-style dish, pour the finished mac and cheese into a greased baking dish. Top with the French fried onions and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, until bubbly and the topping is extra crispy.
- How do I keep the topping crunchy? The most important step is to add the French fried onions at the very end, just before serving. If you stir them into the sauce, they will become soft.
What To Serve With This Mac and Cheese
This is a hearty, all-in-one comfort food meal. It is perfectly served with classic American main dishes:
- Crispy Fried Chicken
- A simple meatloaf
- BBQ Pulled Pork or Ribs
- A crisp green salad to cut through the richness
How To Store Mac and Cheese with Onions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s best to store any extra French fried onions separately to maintain their crunch.
- Reheat: The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat. Add a generous splash of milk and stir frequently until it is hot and creamy again. Top with fresh crunchy onions after reheating.
Mac and Cheese with Onions Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1/8th of recipe
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Sodium: 950mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Why use evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk is a secret weapon for ultra-creamy mac and cheese. It has been heated to remove some of the water, which concentrates the milk proteins and helps to create a rich, stable sauce that is less likely to break or curdle.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. While the rotini is great for catching the sauce, any sturdy, short pasta shape will work well. Shells, cavatappi, or penne are all excellent choices.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is at its absolute best when served fresh and hot from the stove. If you need to make it ahead, you can make the sauce, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Gently reheat the sauce with a splash of milk and stir in freshly cooked pasta just before serving.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Florentine Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese Egg Rolls Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Primavera Mac and Cheese Recipe
Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese with French Fried Onions Recipe
Description
A quick and easy stovetop macaroni and cheese featuring an ultra-creamy cream cheese and cheddar sauce, all topped with a savory crunch from French fried onions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente; drain.
- In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the cream cheese, evaporated milk, milk, and shredded cheese.
- Stir frequently until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and has thickened slightly.
- Stir the hot, drained pasta into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Serve immediately, topped with a generous amount of the French fried onions.
Notes
- u003cliu003eThe most important tip for the creamiest sauce is to shred your own cheddar cheese from a block.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the best texture, add the crunchy French fried onions just before serving, not into the sauce itself.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDo not let the cheese sauce come to a rapid boil, as this can cause it to become grainy or separate.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis is a perfect, quick weeknight meal that the whole family will love.u003c/liu003e
