Ranch Mac and Cheese with Creamy Cheese Sauce | CookOS

Ranch Mac and Cheese

Name: Ranch Mac and Cheese with Creamy Cheese Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 oz macaroni or similar pasta; 1 cup milk; 4 oz shredded American cheese; 1 packet dry ranch seasoning; 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese; 2 tsp minced fresh chives

This ranch mac and cheese combines tender pasta cooked in a Suvie Starch Cooker with a rich, tangy cheese sauce flavored by dry ranch seasoning, sharp cheddar, and fresh chives for a herbaceous, creamy dish.

🌍American 🥗Vegetarian 🏷️Creamy 🏷️Ranch 🏷️Mac and cheese 🏷️Pasta Cheese

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Total

45 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$14–$23

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Recette Magazine

Ingredients

10 oz macaroni or similar pasta
1 cup milk
4 oz shredded American cheese
1 packet dry ranch seasoning
4 oz sharp cheddar cheese
2 tsp minced fresh chives

6 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Place 10 oz elbow macaroni in the Suvie starch strainer set within the Suvie pasta pot (green handles). Cover pot with lid and place inside the Suvie Starch Cooker, ensuring pot is centered on the hot plate. Input settings and cook now. Suvie Starch Cooker Settings: Pasta, 4 cups, 10 minutes
2
When there are 10 minutes left on the macaroni, heat 1 cup milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming. Whisk in 4 oz shredded American cheese and cook until melted, about 1-2 minutes.
3
Remove pot from heat and whisk in 4 oz cheddar cheese until smooth. Cover pot and set aside.
4
When the pasta is done cooking, drain thoroughly and add to the cheese mixture with 1 packet ranch seasoning, stirring to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide between bowls and top with 2 tsp minced chives.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Cook pasta until just tender but still slightly firm; the residual heat and cheese sauce will soften it further as the dish cools slightly.
Whisk ranch seasoning into milk before adding to the pan to prevent lumps and ensure even flavor distribution.
Use freshly shredded cheese or block cheese shredded by hand rather than pre-shredded for better melting and creamier texture.
Stir in fresh minced chives at the very end to preserve their bright, onion-like flavor and visual appeal.

Substitutions

Dry ranch seasoning → homemade ranch mix (1 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley, plus salt and pepper to taste)
American cheese → cream cheese (use 2 oz for equivalent creaminess)
Sharp cheddar → gruyere or aged gouda (for nuttier, more complex flavor)
Fresh chives → fresh dill or fresh parsley (or omit for a milder ranch profile)

Storage & make-ahead

Store covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Equipment

Suvie Starch Cooker

Common Questions

Can I make this ranch mac and cheese without a Suvie cooker?

Yes. Boil the macaroni in salted water until tender, drain, and proceed with the cheese sauce on the stovetop as written.

What does the ranch seasoning add to mac and cheese?

Dry ranch seasoning brings tangy, herbaceous flavor from garlic, onion, and dried herbs like dill and parsley, distinguishing this from plain cheddar mac.

Can I use other cheeses instead of American and sharp cheddar?

Sharp cheddar can be replaced with gruyere or extra-sharp cheddar for deeper flavor; American cheese adds creamy melting texture but can be swapped for cream cheese or more cheddar.