Make Your Own Cracker Barrel Mac And Cheese At Home

Imagine savoring the creamy, comforting goodness of Cracker Barrel’s signature dish without leaving your home. The iconic macaroni and cheese has become a staple for many, offering a taste of nostalgia and warmth. With a simple recipe and just a few ingredients, you can enjoy this beloved comfort food whenever you crave it.

This copycat recipe promises to deliver the authentic flavor of the restaurant favorite, making it an ideal solution for weeknight meals or as a side dish for special occasions. By following this easy guide, you’ll discover the secret to making a deliciously cheesy macaroni dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

The Secret Behind Cracker Barrel’s Famous Mac and Cheese

Recreating Cracker Barrel’s famous mac and cheese requires understanding the elements that make it so beloved. The key lies in a few simple yet crucial ingredients and techniques.

A golden-brown, creamy mac and cheese dish sits in the center of the frame, delicately garnished with freshly chopped parsley. The cheesy goodness glistens under the warm, soft lighting, beckoning the viewer to take a bite. In the background, a rustic wooden table evokes the cozy, homely atmosphere of a Cracker Barrel restaurant. The image captures the perfect balance of indulgence and comfort that has made Cracker Barrel's mac and cheese a beloved classic.

Why This Copycat Recipe Works

The authenticity of this macaroni cheese recipe stems from using Colby cheese, which provides the distinctive flavor profile characteristic of Cracker Barrel. A proper roux made with butter and flour creates the perfect base for the cheese sauce, giving it a signature creaminess.

Key Ingredients That Make the Difference

Using whole or 2% milk instead of skim milk achieves the rich, velvety texture that Cracker Barrel’s version is known for. Properly seasoning the pasta water is also crucial, as it enhances the overall flavor of the macaroni. As noted, “The key to delicious macaroni is to season it with one tablespoon of salt per quart of water.” The simplicity of the ingredients lets the quality shine, making this mac cheese recipe a success.

Ingredients and Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

The foundation of a great Cracker Barrel-style mac and cheese lies in the quality of its ingredients and the tools used to prepare it. To start, you’ll need to gather a selection of key ingredients and have the right kitchen equipment on hand.

Complete Ingredient List

For an authentic Cracker Barrel macaroni cheese, you’ll need: 2 cups of large elbow macaroni (uncooked), 1/4 cup salted butter (1/2 stick), 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%), 3 cups grated Colby-Jack cheese (divided), and freshly cracked pepper and sea salt to taste. Freshly grated cheese is preferred over pre-shredded varieties because it melts better and doesn’t contain anti-caking ingredients that can affect the cheese sauce consistency.

A gleaming stainless steel countertop, bathed in soft, natural light. In the foreground, a selection of classic mac and cheese ingredients are artfully arranged: elbow macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, cream, butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper. In the middle ground, a sturdy ceramic baking dish stands ready, hinting at the delicious casserole to come. The background features a few essential kitchen tools, such as a wooden spoon and a cheese grater, complementing the scene with a sense of warmth and homemade charm. The overall mood is one of simplicity, comfort, and the promise of a comforting, homemade mac and cheese dish.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

You’ll need a large pot for boiling macaroni, a strainer, a whisk for preparing the cheese sauce, and either a Dutch oven or a combination of a large saucepan and baking dish for finishing the dish in the oven. Optional add-ins like chicken or bacon can enhance the flavor and protein content of your mac and cheese.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the cooking process that will help you achieve that authentic Cracker Barrel macaroni cheese taste. This involves a few simple steps that ensure your mac cheese turns out creamy and delicious.

Preparing the Perfect Pasta

Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions, making sure to salt the water to season the pasta from within. This step is crucial for achieving the right flavor. You want your pasta to be al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite.

Creating the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens. Then, add cheese gradually, whisking until smooth. This process ensures a silky-smooth cheese sauce.

A delectable, freshly-prepared mac and cheese dish, captured in a close-up shot under soft, natural lighting. The foreground showcases a creamy, cheese-coated pasta, with individual macaroni noodles clearly visible. The middle ground features a sprinkling of grated cheddar cheese and a light dusting of breadcrumbs, adding texture and depth. In the background, a wooden table or surface provides a rustic, homely setting, complementing the comforting nature of the dish. The overall composition evokes a sense of warmth, simplicity, and the joy of homemade cooking.

Combining and Finishing the Dish

Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a cast iron pan or casserole dish, topping with additional cheese. Broil in the oven for 3-4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and begins to brown, creating that signature Cracker Barrel mac cheese bowl presentation. You can choose to skip this step for a quicker meal or include it for an authentic touch.

Tips for the Best Homemade Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese

Achieving the perfect Cracker Barrel mac and cheese at home is easier with some insider advice. To start, grate your own cheese for the best flavor and texture. When making the cheese sauce, add milk slowly to the flour mixture to prevent clumps, and consider using high-fat milk for a thicker sauce.

For an extra burst of flavor, try broiling your mac and cheese until the top is golden brown. When serving, consider pairing it with fried chicken or adding it to a comfort food buffet in individual cheese bowls. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in the oven or on the stovetop with a splash of milk.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a delicious homemade Cracker Barrel mac and cheese that’s sure to become a family favorite, served perfectly in your favorite bowl.

Make Your Own Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese at Home