Macaroni

Triticum durum (Durum wheat, primary ingredient) Grain/Pasta

Macaroni Grain/Pasta

At a Glance

  • Category Grain/Pasta

The Forktionary Angle

"Despite its common association with Italian cuisine, macaroni's origins can be traced back to ancient China or the Middle East, with its form evolving over centuries."

Definition

A type of dry pasta typically made from durum wheat, characterized by its narrow, elbow-shaped tubular form, often used in baked dishes and soups.

Cooking Time (al dente) 7-10 minutes
Gluten Content High (from Durum wheat)
Primary Use Macaroni & Cheese

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Macaroni are:

Neutral starchy becomes soft and chewy when cooked

Chef’s Secret

To prevent macaroni from clumping and to enhance its flavor in baked dishes, undercook it by 1-2 minutes and rinse briefly with cold water before adding to sauces.

Best Substitutes

Ditalini 1:1

small shells 1:1

penne (cut shorter) 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for 100% durum wheat semolina for best texture. Store in a cool, dry place indefinitely.

Recipes Using Macaroni

Pasta Rice And Grains North American Weeknight 4 Hours Or Less

World's Best Macaroni Cheese

Craving creamy, dreamy macaroni and cheese? This recipe, inspired by Beecher's Handmade Cheese in Seattle's Pike Place Market, delivers ultimate comfort food. We've perfected a version using readily available ingredients, resulting in a rich, cheesy masterpiece that's even better than the original! Get ready for perfectly baked, golden-brown edges and a luxuriously smooth interior. Serve with a crisp salad for a complete meal.

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Pasta Rice And Grains Occasion 60 Minutes Or Less Meat

1950's Hamburger Goulash

This nostalgic 1950s Hamburger Goulash recipe is a family favorite, brimming with savory flavors! Garlic, mushrooms, peppers, and bacon create a comforting base, while oregano adds a unique twist that sets it apart from ordinary hamburger casseroles. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Using frozen cooked ground beef (optional) significantly cuts down on prep time. The optional breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch, making it perfect for company! Doubles easily for a crowd.

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Time To Make Side Dishes Taste Mood Time To Make

Acadia's Velveeta Mac Cheese

A surprisingly delicious twist on classic mac and cheese! This recipe evolved from a 25-year-old family favorite, replacing Cooper Sharp with a creamy Velveeta base for a richer, more decadent experience. The broiled Cooper Sharp topping adds a sharp, delightful counterpoint. This easy mac and cheese recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend treat. Get ready to experience mac and cheese like never before!

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Fall Time To Make Course High In Something

All American Macaroni Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food: creamy, gooey, unbelievably cheesy macaroni and cheese! This recipe uses a blend of sharp and mild cheddar cheeses for the perfect flavor combination, transforming even boxed mac & cheese lovers. Get ready for a rich, tummy-warming experience that's perfect for a chilly night. Warning: This recipe is seriously addictive!

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Pasta Shells Elbow Macaroni Pasta Pasta Rice And Grains

Amish Macaroni Salad

Craving a sweet and creamy macaroni salad? This Amish Macaroni Salad recipe is a family favorite, inspired by a Berks County tradition. Its subtly sweet dressing is incredibly addictive, and it tastes even better the next day! Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a comforting side dish. This recipe makes a generous amount, easily halved for smaller gatherings. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Course Time To Make Pasta 15 Minutes Or Less

Anne's Pasta Salad Made Lighter

This lighter take on my Aunt Anne's famous macaroni salad is a family favorite, perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a healthy weeknight meal! It's creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh veggies, all while being surprisingly light and refreshing. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Dietary 30 Minutes Or Less Elbow Macaroni Inexpensive

Aunt Bonnie's Ring Macaroni Tuna Salad

A nostalgic blast from the past! This creamy tuna salad recipe, reminiscent of 1960s Minnesota barbeques, features delightful Creamette macaroni rings (or anellini). Aunt Bonnie's secret? A simple yet incredibly flavorful combination that's perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light lunch. Get ready to taste a piece of family history!

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Easy Pasta Dietary Course

Bacon Tomato Macaroni Salad

This vibrant Bacon Tomato Macaroni Salad is a twist on a classic! Inspired by a family favorite and perfected with a touch of balsamic vinegar, this recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy celery combine for a delightful summer salad that's perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a light weeknight meal. Get ready to impress!

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Main Dish Brown Bag Main Dish Meat

Bacon And Macaroni Frittata

This vibrant Bacon and Macaroni Frittata is a delicious and surprisingly quick weeknight meal! Enjoy it as a light summer lunch with a fresh salad or a hearty winter dinner alongside your favorite sides. Made with extra lean bacon for a healthier twist, this frittata skips the heavy pastry crust of a quiche, offering a complete protein-packed meal in under 40 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!

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Course Preparation Dietary Elbow Macaroni

Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet

Get ready for a flavor explosion! This Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet tastes EXACTLY like your favorite burger, but in a creamy, cheesy, pasta-packed skillet meal. A family-friendly favorite, this recipe is elevated with a secret ketchup kick for extra deliciousness. It's quick, easy, and guaranteed to become a weeknight staple!

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Elbow Macaroni Dietary Easy Time To Make

Baked Mac Cheese

A creamy, dreamy, and utterly irresistible baked mac and cheese recipe, passed down through generations! This comforting classic is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to savor the cheesy goodness and warm your heart with every bite. Grandma Lewis's legacy lives on in this beloved dish – try it today!

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High In Something Time To Make Dietary High Calcium

Baked Mac N Cheese

Creamy, dreamy, baked mac and cheese! This classic comfort food recipe delivers a rich, cheesy, and utterly irresistible dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Get ready to experience mac and cheese perfection!

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Time To Make Pasta Kid Friendly Vegetarian

Baked Macaroni And Cheese With Tomatoes

Craving comfort food with a healthy twist? This Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Tomatoes recipe uses low-fat milk to lighten things up, without sacrificing that creamy, cheesy goodness! We're using half a box of macaroni (easily doubled for extra servings!), and baking it until golden brown and bubbly. The vibrant tomato addition adds a burst of freshness, perfectly complemented by a side of crunchy carrot and apple salad with pecans. Get ready for a healthier, tastier mac and cheese experience!

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Cheese 60 Minutes Or Less One Dish Meal Elbow Macaroni

Baked Macaroni And Gouda Cheese With Italian Sausage

Indulge in this cheesy, comforting Baked Macaroni and Gouda with Italian Sausage! Inspired by a 2007 recipe, this dish is easily customizable – add your favorite veggies or skip the sausage entirely. The creamy Gouda sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and caramelized onions create a flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in!

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Dietary Casseroles Eggs Dairy Pasta Rice And Grains

Beef Mozzarella Bake

This crowd-pleasing Beef Mozzarella Bake is a family favorite, perfect for potlucks and gatherings! While it might not look glamorous before baking, the incredible flavor and cheesy goodness will have everyone asking for seconds. This hearty recipe is easy to make and feeds a multitude.

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Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less Comfort Food Cheese

Best Ever Macaroni And Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food! This creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese recipe is far superior to anything you'll find in the supermarket. A blend of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, creamy Gouda, pungent bleu cheese, and smoky cheeses creates an unforgettable flavor explosion. A crispy bacon and cracker topping adds the perfect crunch. This recipe is perfect for a cozy winter night, freezes beautifully, and reheats like a dream in the microwave. Get ready for cheesy bliss!

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American Course Low In Something Easy

Burger Macaroni

Kids will gobble up this cheesy, comforting Burger Macaroni! This easy recipe combines juicy ground beef with tender macaroni in a creamy, savory sauce. A sprinkle of cheddar cheese adds the perfect finishing touch. Get ready for a family-friendly meal that's quick, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit!

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North American Inexpensive Potluck Taste Mood

Creamy Baked Macaroni And Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food: Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese! This recipe features a decadent blend of Velveeta, cream cheese, half-and-half, and egg, creating a rich, cheesy sauce with a melt-in-your-mouth custardy texture. Inspired by family favorites and perfected through experimentation, this macaroni and cheese is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Prepare for cheesy bliss!

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