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Beecher’s Mac and Cheese Copycat Recipe (Featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things)

November 19, 2010 by Kimberly Danger 13 Comments

Beecher's World's Best Mac and Cheese

My eleven-year-old daughter recently watched the latest episode of Oprah – you know, the one where she lists her favorite things.   Never mind the cool electronics and gadgets that Oprah gave away, my daughter wanted to know where she could get the Mac and Cheese.

I found the company's name (Beecher's Cheese) on Oprah.com, and then located their website.  It turns out that you can buy a 9×13 pan of their World's Best Mac and Cheese for the very un-frugal price of $70.  THAT wasn't happenin' in MY household. In typical money-saving fashion, I embarked plan B:  To track down the recipe instead. Making copycat recipes at home is always the frugal solution to eating well.

I found several recipes online (credited below), which were all very similar.  Based on studying all of them, I came up with my own frugal copycat recipe version of the Oprah's (Beecher's) Mac and Cheese here.

Beecher's “World's Best” Mac and Cheese Recipe

  • 16 oz. penne pasta (a 1 lb. box)
  • Beecher's Cheese Sauce (recipe below)
  • ¼ C. grated sharp Cheddar cheese
  • ¼ C. grated Jarlsberg cheese (the original recipe calls for Gruyere, but at $18.99/lb. vs. $8.99/lb Jarlsberg is an acceptable substitute
  • 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease an 8×8 baking dish.  Cook the pasta 2 minutes less than package directions (it will finish cooking in the oven). Rinse pasta in cold water and set aside.

Combine cooked pasta and Beecher's Cheese Sauce in a medium bowl and mix until the cheese sauce has been completely incorporated.  Pour the pasta/cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.  Sprinkle the top with the cheeses and then the chile powder. Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes.  Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Beecher's Mac and Cheese Sauce

  • 1/4 cup ( 1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour or Wondra
  • 3 cups milk
  • 3 ½ C. sharp Cheddar cheese
  • ½ C. grated Monterrey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder  (add up to 1/2 tsp. if you like more heat)
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat and whisk in the flour. Continue whisking and cooking for 2 minutes. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat. Add the cheese, salt, chile powder, and garlic powder. Stir until the cheese is melted and all ingredients are incorporated about 3 minutes. Use immediately, or refrigerate for up to three days.

We loved this recipe.  My son thought it was a little spicy, but he still cleaned his plate.  We thought for our next mac and cheese go-round, we'd add bacon to the recipe to enhance the smoky flavor.

Other Variations on Beecher's Mac and Cheese Copycat Recipes

Looking to add some variety to your mac and cheese repertoire? Here are a few more tantalizing variations on Beecher's mac and cheese recipes that will take your taste buds on a flavorful journey:

1. Beecher's Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese

Elevate the cheesiness factor by incorporating a blend of four delectable cheeses into your mac and cheese. Combine Beecher's Flagship, Just Jack, Smoky Jack, and Marco Polo for a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.

2. Beecher's Truffle Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the luxurious flavors of truffle-infused mac and cheese. Add a drizzle of truffle oil and a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan to elevate your dish to gourmet status. It's a decadent twist on the classic that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

3. Beecher's Spicy Jalapeño Mac and Cheese

If you're a fan of a little heat, this spicy variation is for you. Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to your mac and cheese for a fiery kick. The combination of creamy cheese and spicy peppers creates a perfect balance of flavors that will ignite your taste buds.

4. Beecher's Lobster Mac and Cheese

Take your mac and cheese to a whole new level of indulgence by adding succulent lobster meat to the mix. The sweetness of the lobster pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy goodness, creating a dish fit for special occasions or a decadent weeknight treat.

5. Beecher's Veggie Mac and Cheese

For the vegetable lovers out there, this variation adds a healthy twist to the classic mac and cheese. Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, or steamed broccoli into the dish for a burst of color and added nutrients. It's a delicious way to sneak in some veggies while still enjoying your favorite comfort food.

6. Beecher's Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Combine the flavors of spicy buffalo chicken with creamy mac and cheese for a winning combination. Toss shredded cooked chicken in buffalo sauce and mix it into your mac and cheese. Top it off with a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles for an extra tangy twist.

With these creative variations, you can keep your mac and cheese game exciting and satisfy any cravings that come your way. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make each dish your own masterpiece.

Now that you have a range of options to choose from, it's time to gather your ingredients and start creating your own mouthwatering Beecher's mac and cheese recipes. Whether you stick to the classic or venture into new flavor territories, these recipes are sure to please. Get ready to savor every cheesy bite!

Thanks Three Imaginary Girls,  Seattlepi, Tastebook, and Martha Stewart.

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Filed Under: Recipes, Food Tagged With: frugal food, recipes, macaroni and cheese

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Comments

  1. Karen Partin says

    November 20, 2010 at 2:24 pm

    Thanks!! Will have to try it b/c $70 isn’t happening in this household either!!!

    Reply
    • Kimberly Danger says

      November 21, 2010 at 7:05 am

      Let me know what you think after you try it, Karen. We really liked it!

      Reply
  2. Maggie says

    November 20, 2010 at 3:29 pm

    Yummers!!

    Reply
  3. Yoda says

    November 21, 2010 at 10:46 am

    Well, how was it? Let us know how you liked it, please…looks good!

    Reply
  4. yoda says

    November 21, 2010 at 10:47 am

    Just saw that you guys liked it…sorry. Looks worth a try! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  5. Lyn says

    January 5, 2011 at 1:12 am

    Thank you – this looks yummy! I’d also recommend sometime splurging for a special occasion with the gruyere or maybe even the cheese from Beecher’s>. I used to live nearby, ate there once in awhile, and took it home frozen to bake for out of town guests. Two different friends told me after biting into it that they’d wondered, until they tasted it!, why in the world I was serving them mac and cheese, but they found it amazing – it’s pretty much in a class of its own.

    Reply
  6. Lyn says

    January 5, 2011 at 1:15 am

    Wait, wait! I just noticed this is the Mommysavers website. I honestly wouldn’t bother with the suggestion I just gave for children – they’re more than happy with other cheeses. I was just thinking it terms of using the Beecher’s cheeses for a more sophisticated, adult version, of the dish.

    Reply
  7. Larry O says

    May 12, 2011 at 7:45 am

    Here is a link to the actual recipe:

    http://www.seattlepi.com/default/article/Mac-and-cheese-cheese-cheese-1248595.php

    ‘WORLD’S BEST’ MAC AND CHEESE

    SERVES 4 AS A SIDE DISH

    6 ounces penne pasta

    2 cups Beecher’s Flagship Sauce (recipe follows)

    1 ounce cheddar, grated ( 1/4 cup)

    1 ounce Gruyere cheese, grated ( 1/4 cup)

    1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

    Oil or butter an 8-inch baking dish.

    Cook the penne 2 minutes less than package directions. (It will finish cooking in the oven.) Rinse pasta in cold water and set aside.

    Combine cooked pasta and Flagship Sauce in a medium bowl and mix carefully but thoroughly. Scrape the pasta into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the cheeses and then the chile powder. Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

    NOTE: If you double the recipe to make a main dish, bake in a 9-by-13-inch pan for 30 minutes.

    BEECHER’S FLAGSHIP CHEESE SAUCE

    MAKES ABOUT 4 CUPS

    1/4 cup ( 1/2 stick) unsalted butter

    1/3 cup all-purpose flour

    3 cups milk

    14 ounces semihard cheese, such as Beecher’s Flagship, grated (about 3 1/2 cups)

    2 ounces grated semisoft cheese, such as Beecher’s Just Jack

    1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

    1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder

    1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

    Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat and whisk in the flour. Continue whisking and cooking for 2 minutes. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat. Add the cheese, salt, chile powder and garlic powder. Stir until the cheese is melted and all ingredients are incorporated, about 3 minutes. Use immediately, or refrigerate for up to three days.

    NOTE: A single batch of sauce makes enough for a double recipe of macaroni and cheese.

    Read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/default/article/Mac-and-cheese-cheese-cheese-1248595.php#ixzz1M8qSaoP7

    Reply
  8. Jeanine says

    May 25, 2011 at 3:04 pm

    Just curious.. In your recipe you list:

    ■3 ½ C. sharp Cheddar cheese
    ■½ C. grated Monterrey Jack cheese

    Are these both grated and do you know approx. how many ounces each consisted of? And for such a small amount, is Jarlsberg really needed or can another cheese be substituted?

    Reply
    • Kimberly Danger says

      May 25, 2011 at 3:47 pm

      Jeanine, I didn’t pay attention to how many ounces these cheeses were before they were grated. I’m sure you could substitute something else for the Jarlsberg.

      Reply
  9. jdmomof3 says

    May 30, 2011 at 12:37 am

    I have made home made mac and cheese for years. I have made it with all cheeses but the Jarlsberg is such a yummy treat. I do not recommend using mozzerella it gets too stringy. I use 1/2 and 1/2 instead of milk though.

    Reply
  10. Tamson says

    August 6, 2016 at 2:30 pm

    I was looking for a 21 Day Fix-friendly recipe and found that plus this – what a bonus! I was visiting my son and daughter-in-law. I made the 21 Day recipe for my d-i-l and my son and I had the Beecher’s copycat recipe. That was last month. I hadn’t even seen comment with the link until this minute – and I just finished making it again! I got on to ASK A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS (with faint hope of an answer soon, but worth a shot):
    1. if not having til tomorrow, is it best to bake now and rewarm, or refrigerate oven-ready and bake tomorrow? Prefer tomorrow, but not sure if refrigerating might have a negative effect.
    2. If baking tomorrow, should I let it get to room temp first?
    FYI made a double recipe in a deep 10X16 pan. Thanks for any help!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 3-Ingredient Crock Pot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken - Mommysavers.com | Online Coupons & Savings says:
    March 10, 2012 at 11:06 am

    […] If it’s not zippy enough for your liking, try adding a little Chipotle Chile Pepper (pictured here, also used in our Copycat Beecher’s Macaroni & Cheese recipe). […]

    Reply

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About Mommysavers

Kimberly Danger established Mommysavers.com in March 2000 as a way to channel her creative energy while raising her kids. Initially an online discussion board, the website evolved into a comprehensive platform offering money-saving tips, deals and budget-friendly recipes and tips for frugal moms. Read More…

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