This creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is a real comfort food treat! With plenty of gooey cheddar and a crispy topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser at any meal.
You can’t go wrong with a big bowl of this cheesy goodness! I love serving it alongside grilled chicken for a tasty combo. Who can resist seconds? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for mac and cheese, but you can swap it for other pasta like cavatappi or penne if you prefer a different shape. Just make sure it holds onto that yummy cheese sauce!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great flavor. If you want something milder, go for regular cheddar or a blend. You can also use a non-dairy cheese for a vegan version if needed!
Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese melts nicely, but if you can’t find it, try using Pepper Jack for a little kick or even a mild mozzarella if you prefer a softer taste.
Heavy Cream: You can replace this with whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter version, but the cream does add that rich flavor and texture that makes mac and cheese so comforting.
How Do I Make a Smooth Cheese Sauce?
Getting the cheese sauce just right can be tricky, but with these next steps, you’ll be golden! The key is to ensure you slowly add liquids to the roux.
- Once your roux (butter and flour mixture) is ready, slowly whisk in the milk and cream. This prevents lumps.
- Keep stirring! You want the mixture to bubble gently and thicken. If it’s too lumpy, keep cooking and whisking!
- After it thickens, add cheese gradually. This helps it melt smoothly rather than clump up.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a creamy, dreamy cheese sauce ready for your macaroni!
Paula Deen’s Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Macaroni:
- 1 (16 oz) package elbow macaroni
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus extra for baking dish
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful mac and cheese takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. In no time, you’ll have a warm, cheesy dish perfect for sharing with family or friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, butter a large baking dish or casserole. This will help prevent your mac and cheese from sticking!
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a big pot, boil salted water and add the elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente, which usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Once done, drain it and set it aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
Now, in a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and keep stirring to create a roux. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes (don’t let it brown!).
4. Add Milk and Cream:
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly. This will help prevent any lumps. Keep cooking and stirring until your mixture thickens and bubbles—this usually takes a few minutes!
5. Stir in the Cheese:
Remove the sauce from heat, add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using). Then, gradually stir in your shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until everything is melted and smooth!
6. Combine with Pasta:
Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheesy sauce, making sure each bite is coated in deliciousness!
7. Pour into Baking Dish:
Transfer your mac and cheese mixture into the buttered baking dish. If you like a crispy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the surface. Yum!
8. Bake:
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Such a comforting sight!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Now dig in and enjoy this cheesy Southern classic!
Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in—your taste buds will thank you! 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can try using cavatappi, fusilli, or even penne. Just ensure the pasta shape can hold the cheese sauce well!
Can I Make This Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step a day in advance. Store it covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
For any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy!
Can I Use Low-Fat Ingredients?
You can definitely swap out ingredients for lower-fat options, like using skim milk instead of whole milk or opting for reduced-fat cheese. Just keep in mind that the creaminess might be slightly affected!
