Creamy Cheddar Macaroni Salad: A Classic Reinvented

Macaroni salad is a quintessential dish for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. It’s a crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and incredibly versatile. This recipe elevates the standard macaroni salad by adding a generous dose of sharp cheddar cheese, creating a creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible side dish. Get ready to enjoy a comforting classic with a delicious twist!

## Why This Cheddar Macaroni Salad Recipe Works

* **Cheesy Goodness:** The star of this salad is, without a doubt, the cheddar cheese. Using a sharp cheddar provides a robust flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
* **Creamy Texture:** A blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, and a touch of mustard creates a creamy and tangy dressing that coats every piece of macaroni and cheese.
* **Balanced Flavors:** Crisp vegetables like celery and red onion add a refreshing crunch and subtle sweetness, while a sprinkle of paprika and a dash of hot sauce provide a hint of spice.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Macaroni salad tastes even better when it’s had time to chill in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together. This makes it the perfect dish for prepping in advance.
* **Versatile:** This recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices to create your own unique version.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Macaroni:** 1 pound elbow macaroni
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
* **Mayonnaise:** 1 cup
* **Sour Cream:** 1/2 cup
* **Celery:** 1 cup, finely chopped
* **Red Onion:** 1/2 cup, finely chopped
* **Sweet Pickle Relish:** 1/4 cup
* **Yellow Mustard:** 2 tablespoons
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 1 tablespoon
* **Sugar:** 1 teaspoon
* **Paprika:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Hot Sauce:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste

## Step-by-Step Instructions

**1. Cook the Macaroni:**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Avoid overcooking, as the macaroni will become mushy.
* Drain the macaroni and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
* Thoroughly drain the macaroni and set aside to cool completely. This is crucial to prevent the dressing from becoming watery.

**2. Prepare the Dressing:**

* In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, paprika, and hot sauce (if using).
* Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the cheddar cheese will also add saltiness to the salad.

**3. Assemble the Salad:**

* In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped celery, and finely chopped red onion.
* Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.
* Make sure all the ingredients are well combined and that the dressing is distributed throughout the salad.

**4. Chill and Serve:**

* Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is essential for the best flavor and texture.
* Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing. If the salad seems dry, add a little more mayonnaise or sour cream.
* Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve chilled and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Cheddar Macaroni Salad

* **Use Sharp Cheddar:** A sharp cheddar cheese provides the most flavor. You can also use a blend of sharp and mild cheddar for a more balanced taste.
* **Don’t Overcook the Macaroni:** Overcooked macaroni will result in a mushy salad. Cook it al dente, meaning it should be firm to the bite.
* **Cool the Macaroni Completely:** Cooling the macaroni completely before adding the dressing is essential. Warm macaroni will absorb the dressing and make the salad soggy.
* **Chop Vegetables Finely:** Finely chopping the celery and red onion ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout the salad and don’t overwhelm the other ingredients.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember that the cheddar cheese will add saltiness, so be careful not to over-salt.
* **Chill the Salad:** Chilling the salad for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to meld together and the dressing to thicken. This is crucial for the best flavor and texture.
* **Don’t Add Dressing Too Early:** If you are making the salad more than a day in advance, consider adding only half the dressing initially. This will prevent the macaroni from absorbing too much dressing and becoming soggy. Add the remaining dressing just before serving.
* **Use High-Quality Mayonnaise:** The mayonnaise is a key ingredient in the dressing, so use a high-quality brand that you enjoy the taste of. Full-fat mayonnaise will provide the creamiest texture.

## Variations and Add-Ins

* **Ham or Bacon:** Add diced ham or crumbled bacon for a smoky and savory flavor.
* **Hard-Boiled Eggs:** Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and a creamy texture.
* **Peas:** Add frozen peas (thawed) for a touch of sweetness and color.
* **Bell Peppers:** Add diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow) for a crunchy and colorful addition.
* **Pickles:** Add diced dill pickles or bread and butter pickles for a tangy and crunchy element.
* **Olives:** Add sliced black olives or green olives for a salty and briny flavor.
* **Jalapeños:** Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives for a fresh and aromatic flavor.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to customize the flavor.
* **Cheese:** Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Colby jack, or Monterey jack, for a different flavor profile.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Picnics:** Macaroni salad is a classic picnic dish. Pack it in a cooler with ice packs to keep it chilled.
* **Barbecues:** Serve macaroni salad alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or ribs.
* **Potlucks:** Macaroni salad is a great dish to bring to potlucks. It’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Lunch:** Pack macaroni salad for a quick and easy lunch. It’s also a great way to use up leftover ingredients.
* **Side Dish:** Serve macaroni salad as a side dish with sandwiches, salads, or other main courses.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This macaroni salad can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you are making it more than a day in advance, consider adding only half the dressing initially. Add the remaining dressing just before serving.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover macaroni salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Be sure to keep it properly chilled to prevent bacterial growth.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

* Calories: 350-450 per serving
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Saturated Fat: 10-15 grams
* Cholesterol: 50-70 mg
* Sodium: 400-600 mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
* Fiber: 1-2 grams
* Sugar: 5-10 grams
* Protein: 10-15 grams

## Creamy Cheddar Macaroni Salad Recipe

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes

**Cook Time:** 10 minutes

**Chill Time:** 2 hours (or overnight)

**Servings:** 8-10

### Ingredients:

* 1 pound elbow macaroni
* 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1 cup finely chopped celery
* 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
* 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
* 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste

### Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Drain well and set aside to cool.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, paprika, and hot sauce (if using).
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, celery, and red onion.
5. Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and toss to coat evenly.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
7. Before serving, stir well and garnish with paprika or chopped parsley, if desired.

Enjoy this classic macaroni salad with a cheesy twist. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues!

## Conclusion

This Creamy Cheddar Macaroni Salad is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich, savory flavor that elevates the dish to a whole new level. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a macaroni salad that everyone will love!