There’s something magical about a warm, bubbling casserole of homemade macaroni and cheese that brings families together around the dinner table. Annie’s mac and cheese recipe represents the perfect balance between simplicity and comfort, delivering that nostalgic taste we all crave without the complexity of gourmet versions that sometimes miss the mark.
This isn’t just another pasta dish – it’s a time-tested family favorite that proves sometimes the simplest approaches yield the most satisfying results. What makes Annie’s mac and cheese recipe special is its straightforward method that creates creamy, cheesy perfection every single time.
Whether you’re feeding hungry kids after school or looking for the perfect side dish for your next family gathering, this recipe delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
My Personal Experience with Annie’s Mac and Cheese Recipe
When I first discovered Annie’s mac and cheese recipe, I was skeptical about its simplicity. Like many home cooks, I thought more ingredients meant better flavor. But after watching my family’s reaction to this straightforward approach, I became a complete convert to this method.
The beauty of Annie’s mac and cheese recipe lies in its accessibility. There’s no need for exotic cheeses or complicated techniques – just wholesome ingredients that work harmoniously together. I’ve made this recipe countless times for potlucks, holiday gatherings, and weeknight dinners, and it never fails to impress.
What I love most about preparing Annie’s mac and cheese recipe is how the warm pasta helps melt everything together naturally. The anticipation as it bakes in the oven, filling the kitchen with that irresistible aroma, makes the entire cooking experience truly special.
Ingredients Required for Annie’s Mac and Cheese Recipe
- 4 cups cooked elbow macaroni (about 1 pound uncooked)
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick), cut into pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste (optional)
Kitchen Utensils List
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Colander for draining
- 2 large mixing bowls
- Wire whisk for beating eggs
- Rubber spatula for mixing
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if grating your own cheese)
- Oven mitts
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-55 minutes
- Serves: 8-10 people
Recipe Instructions for Annie’s Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions until tender. Drain well and keep warm.
- Combine pasta and cheese by adding the warm, drained macaroni to a large bowl. Immediately add 2 cups of grated cheese and mix gently. The warmth will start melting the cheese.
- Prepare the custard mixture in a separate bowl by whisking together beaten eggs, sour cream, cut butter pieces, salt, and milk until well combined.
- Combine everything by pouring the egg mixture over the pasta and cheese. Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed.
- Transfer to baking dish and pour the entire mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Start checking at 30 minutes to avoid overbrowning.
- Rest and serve by letting it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Add fresh ground pepper if desired.
Storage Guidance for Leftover Annie’s Mac and Cheese
Store leftover Annie’s mac and cheese recipe in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in a covered container. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in a 300°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
Serving Ideas for Annie’s Mac and Cheese
- BBQ Dinner Side – Serve alongside grilled chicken, ribs, or pulled pork for the ultimate comfort food combination
- Holiday Feast Addition – Perfect complement to turkey, ham, or roast beef during special occasions
- Weeknight Family Dinner – Pair with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal
- Potluck Perfection – Transport in the baking dish for easy serving at community gatherings
- Game Day Favorite – Cut into squares and serve as hearty finger food for sports viewing parties
Tips for Perfect Annie’s Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Use warm pasta – Adding cheese to warm macaroni helps it melt and distribute more evenly throughout the dish
- Don’t overmix – Gentle stirring prevents the pasta from breaking and maintains the best texture
- Room temperature ingredients – Let eggs and sour cream come to room temperature for smoother mixing
- Check doneness carefully – The center should be set but still slightly jiggly when done baking
- Quality cheese matters – Use good-quality sharp cheddar for the best flavor development
Annie’s mac and cheese recipe proves that the best comfort foods don’t require complicated techniques or endless ingredient lists. This foolproof method delivers creamy, satisfying results that’ll become a staple in your recipe collection.
The combination of simple ingredients and straightforward preparation makes this perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
Ready to create your own batch of this irresistible comfort food? Give Annie’s mac and cheese recipe a try this week – your family will thank you!
Annie’s Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked elbow macaroni about 1 pound uncooked
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese plus extra for topping
- 3 large eggs beaten
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons butter 1/2 stick, cut into pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions until tender. Drain well and keep warm.
- Combine pasta and cheese by adding the warm, drained macaroni to a large bowl. Immediately add 2 cups of grated cheese and mix gently. The warmth will start melting the cheese.
- Prepare the custard mixture in a separate bowl by whisking together beaten eggs, sour cream, cut butter pieces, salt, and milk until well combined.
- Combine everything by pouring the egg mixture over the pasta and cheese. Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed.
- Transfer to baking dish and pour the entire mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Start checking at 30 minutes to avoid overbrowning.
- Rest and serve by letting it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Add fresh ground pepper if desired.
Video
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish completely and refrigerate it overnight before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
What’s the best cheese to use for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar cheese works best as it provides great flavor and melts beautifully. You can also try a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
You can substitute with Greek yogurt or cream cheese, but sour cream provides the best tangy flavor and creamy texture.
Why do my eggs sometimes curdle in the mixture?
Make sure your eggs are at room temperature and the pasta isn’t too hot when mixing. Gradually combine ingredients to prevent curdling.
Can I freeze this mac and cheese?
While possible, the texture may change slightly after freezing. If freezing, wrap tightly and use within 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
How do I know when it’s perfectly done?
The top should be golden brown and the center should be set but still have a slight jiggle. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
Can I add other ingredients to customize this recipe?
Absolutely! Try adding cooked bacon, diced ham, breadcrumb topping, or different cheese varieties to make it your own.
Additionally, You can also like and, follow us on Pinterest, and Reddit for more updates. Your thoughts and engagement are greatly appreciated!
Delicious