Macaroni and cheese is one of the only things everyone in my house agrees on. My husband and 3 year old could eat it every night for the rest of their lives and be happy about it. I like to claim that I don’t like mac & cheese but I do love a truly great one and this one, it’s a great one.
It’s a simple macaroni and cheese recipe that includes a packet of ranch mix and some other seasonings, like lemon pepper, that don’t sound like they would be good in macaroni. Well, everything works somehow and it’s absolutely delicious. Everyone loved it, including my 9 month old, and I can definitely see myself making this (or my husband requesting it) many times over the years.
One note: you’re probably used to using flour as a thickener in macaroni and cheese and might be worried when you see that this recipe doesn’t call for it. I was worried too but once the sour cream was stirred in, it thickened right up.
Ranch Mac & Cheese
- 1 package (16 ounces elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup butter (cubed)
- 1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup 4 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup 4 ounces shredded Colby cheese
- 1 cup 8 ounces sour cream
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, combine the milk, butter, dressing mix and seasonings; heat through. Stir in Monterey Jack and Colby cheeses until melted. Stir in sour cream.
- Drain macaroni; stir into cheese sauce with the crackers. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Meredith says
Oh my gosh, this look delicious! And so beautiful! Your photographs are gorgeous.
I’ve recently launched my own blog, I’d love for you to check it out and let me know what you think :) http://www.prettygoodfood.com
Thanks, and Happy Cooking!!!
.-= Meredith´s last blog ..Curried Chicken Salad =-.
nicole says
I made this for my boyfriend and we ate it today. It was fantastic.
.-= nicole´s last blog ..Stalled =-.
Elizabeth says
Oh my word this looks divine! I’ve always said mac & cheese is the most perfect food and really everything is better with ranch dressing, which means I am SO going to try your recipe!!!
.-= Elizabeth´s last blog ..Crockpot Sticky Chicken Legs =-.
Cassie says
There isn’t a single thing not to like about this recipe. I’m going to make this next week. Thanks for sharing!
.-= Cassie´s last blog ..Weekly Meal Planning- Week of 82310 =-.
Kim says
I love a bowl of mac’n cheese, a bowl of comfort! This one, with the ranch flavors is probably good!
.-= Kim´s last blog ..Pancakes aux bananes et aux noix =-.