Cracker Barrel's Macaroni And Cheese: A Comfort Food Classic

Cracker Barrel's macaroni and cheese is a popular dish, with many recipes online detailing how to recreate it at home. The dish is described as insanely good and the ultimate comfort food. It is made with a combination of pasta, butter, flour, chicken broth or milk, heavy cream, and Colby or cheddar cheese. The cheese sauce is made by creating a roux with the butter and flour, before adding the liquid and cheese. The dish is then baked in the oven. Cracker Barrel also sells boxed macaroni and cheese in stores such as Walmart.

Explore related products

Oven Baked Cheddar Havarti Macaroni and Cheese Dinner (12.3 oz Pouch)

$5.99

Sharp Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese Dinner, 14 oz Box

$3.68

Sharp White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese Dinner, 14 oz Box

$3.68

Oven Baked Sharp White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Dinner (12.3 oz Pouch)

$7.15

Sharp Cheddar Oven Baked Macaroni & Cheese Dinner (12.3 oz Bag)

$6.49

Cheddar Havarti Macaroni & Cheese Dinner, 14 oz Box

$3.68

Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese recipes

Cracker Barrel's Mac and Cheese is a popular menu item, and it's easy to see why. This ultimate comfort food is a simple, classic dish with a creamy sauce and chewy pasta. The good news is that it's easy to replicate at home, and you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with just a few basic ingredients.

Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You will need:

• Pasta: Elbow, fusilli, rotini, or any tubular pasta.
• Butter and Flour: To make the roux, which thickens the sauce.
• Liquid: Most recipes call for milk, but you can also use low-sodium chicken broth for a more authentic Cracker Barrel flavour.
• Cream: For added richness and thickness.
• Cheese: Cracker Barrel uses shredded Colby cheese for a mild, creamy flavour.

Method

• Cook your pasta until al dente for that signature chewy texture.
• Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
• Add flour to make the roux, and cook for a couple of minutes.
• Slowly add your chosen liquid, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
• Simmer the sauce for around 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese.
• Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce, stirring until evenly coated.
• Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle with extra cheese.
• Bake for around 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
• Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

• For the best flavour and texture, grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
• Season the pasta water with salt to give your mac and cheese that extra punch of flavour.
• If you're short on time, you can skip the baking step and serve the mac and cheese straight from the stovetop. Just add a little extra cheese to the pan and stir through.
• Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese is a versatile dish. Enjoy it as a main course or a side, and pair it with anything from fried chicken to a fresh side salad.

Cracker Barrel boxed Mac and Cheese

Ingredients and Preparation

The boxed mac and cheese typically includes pasta, a cheese packet, and a seasoning packet. The pasta is usually in the form of elbow macaroni, but other shapes such as fusilli, rotini, or medium shells can also be used. The cheese packet contains shredded cheddar cheese, which gives the dish its signature sharp and creamy flavour. The seasoning packet likely includes salt and black pepper to enhance the overall taste.

To prepare the dish, simply cook the pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for an al dente texture. While the pasta is boiling, create the cheese sauce by melting butter over medium heat and stirring in flour to form a roux. Add chicken stock and increase the heat to medium-high. Once the mixture has thickened, stir in heavy cream or milk for extra creaminess. Finally, lower the heat, add the shredded cheddar cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Customization and Serving Suggestions

Some home chefs might opt to customize the dish by adding additional ingredients. For example, Colby cheese can be used instead of, or in combination with, the cheddar cheese for a slightly different flavour profile. Additionally, milk can be used in place of heavy cream for a slightly lighter sauce.

Consumer Reviews

Reviews for the Cracker Barrel boxed Mac and Cheese are generally positive. Many appreciate its convenience and flavour, with some claiming it tastes even better than the restaurant version. However, there are also reviews mentioning that the product was discontinued, expressing disappointment and suggesting that it was a mistake.

Cracker Barrel restaurant Mac and Cheese

Cracker Barrel's Mac and Cheese is a popular menu item that has gained a lot of attention for its delicious taste and texture. It is a simple, classic dish with no extra spices or seasonings, but it is incredibly comforting and decadent. The key to its popularity lies in the creamy, rich, and cheesy experience it offers.

The Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese recipe calls for basic ingredients that can be easily sourced and prepared at home. It starts with cooking pasta until al dente to achieve the desired chewy consistency. Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but other tubular shapes like fusilli or rotini can also be used. The magic happens when butter and flour are combined to create a roux, which thickens the sauce. Instead of milk, low-sodium chicken broth is used to give it that signature Cracker Barrel flavour. Heavy cream is added for a richer, creamier, and thicker sauce.

The star of the show is the cheese, and Cracker Barrel's recipe keeps it simple by using only shredded Colby cheese or sharp cheddar cheese. This single variety of cheese packs a punch and delivers a burst of flavour. The cheese is grated for the best texture and flavour, and then it's combined with the sauce. The sauce requires frequent stirring to prevent burning and sticking, and it's important to keep the heat at a medium level.

To assemble the dish, the macaroni is generously coated with the creamy cheese sauce and poured into a baking dish. It's then baked in the oven until the edges are perfectly browned, creating a delightful contrast of textures. The final dish is irresistible, with the golden-brown crust complementing the creamy, cheesy interior. This signature Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese has become a favourite among patrons, and its simplicity makes it a go-to recipe for many.

Explore related products

Macaroni and Cheese by Cracker Barrel in 4 Variety Packs - Sharp Cheddar, Cheddar Havarti, Sharp White Cheddar Flavor and Parmesan White Cheddar, An Instant Mac and Cheese Dinner Meal for the Whole Family, Pantry Staples

$31.5

Parmesan White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese Dinner, 12 oz Box

$6.45

Cracker Barrel Oven Baked Sharp White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese,12.3 oz, 1 count-SET OF 4F

$26.9

Sharp Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Dinner (14 oz Boxes, Pack of 12)

$74

Kraft Deluxe Four Cheese Mac & Cheese Macaroni and Cheese Dinner, 14 oz Box

$2.97

Macaroni and Cheese by Cracker Barrel in 3 Variety Packs - Sharp Cheddar, Cheddar Havarti and Sharp White Cheddar Flavor, An Instant Mac and Cheese Dinner Meal for the Whole Family, Pantry Staples in 14 Oz Box Each

$23.99

Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese reviews

Cracker Barrel's Mac and Cheese has received positive reviews from several customers and chefs. Many reviews describe it as "delicious" and "creamy," with a perfect level of creaminess. The dish is also noted for its convenience, with some reviewers stating that it is easy to prepare and makes a great weeknight meal or side dish.

One chef reviewer praised Cracker Barrel's premade macaroni and cheese, stating that it had a great texture and a genuine cheddar flavor. They also noted that the noodles were thicker than other brands they had tried. Another chef reviewer agreed that Cracker Barrel's mac and cheese was the clear winner among the brands they tasted, citing the strong cheddar flavor that kept them going back for more.

Some customers have shared their love for the Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese, with one reviewer on Amazon claiming that their family is "addicted" to it. This reviewer also highlighted the creaminess and authentic cheese taste of the dish. Another Amazon reviewer mentioned that it rivals homemade mac and cheese, which is high praise indeed!

In addition to the positive reviews, some customers have shared their preferences for specific varieties. One Reddit user expressed their liking for the White Cheddar and Cheddar Havarti flavors, which they felt were even better than the "Homestyle" bags that included a seasoning packet. However, they noted that these varieties might be discontinued, as they hadn't seen them in stores recently.

Overall, the reviews for Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese suggest that it is a popular and well-liked product, with many reviewers praising its convenience, flavor, and texture. While there may be some variation in preferences for different varieties, the positive feedback indicates that Cracker Barrel has successfully captured the essence of this classic comfort food.

Cracker Barrel copycat Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and Cracker Barrel's version is a classic take on this beloved dish. The best part is that it's easy to replicate at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients

For this copycat recipe, you'll need:

• Elbow pasta or any short tubular pasta
• Butter (unsalted is recommended)
• Flour
• Low-sodium chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Colby cheese (shredded)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

Here's how to make this delicious copycat Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese:

• Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Cook the pasta until it's al dente, or slightly chewy. Drain and set aside.
• Make the roux: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth and lump-free. This forms the base of your cheese sauce.
• Add liquid: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream. This combination gives the sauce a rich and savory flavor.
• Cheese it up: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded Colby cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted and you have a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Season: Add salt and black pepper to taste.
• Combine: Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
• Bake: Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
• Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, dig in and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Tips and Variations

• For an even creamier sauce, use milk with a high-fat content instead of chicken broth.
• Grate your own cheese for better texture and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking ingredients that can affect the consistency of your sauce.
• Try different types of cheese for a unique twist on the classic.
• Serve as a side dish with fried chicken, pork chops, or a fresh side salad.

Frequently asked questions