Paula Deen’s Mac And Cheese

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Elbow Macaroni: This is the staple pasta for mac and cheese, but you can use any small pasta like shells or cavatappi. They hold cheese well too!

Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives that classic flavor. If you want a milder taste, use medium or mild cheddar instead. Mixing in other cheeses like pepper jack for a kick can be fun!

Monterey Jack: This cheese adds creaminess. If unavailable, gouda can serve as a great stand-in. It melts beautifully just like Monterey Jack.

Heavy Cream: It provides richness, but if you want a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk. Just be aware it may not be as creamy.

Cayenne Pepper: This is optional but adds nice heat. Try using paprika for flavor without the spice, or skip it if spice isn’t your thing!

How Do I Make the Cheese Sauce Creamy and Smooth?

A creamy cheese sauce is key to good mac and cheese. Here’s how to do it perfectly:

• First, make the roux: Melt butter, then whisk in flour. Cook it for just about 2 minutes to avoid a raw flour taste.
• Slowly add whole milk and heavy cream while whisking to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until it thickens up smoothly, usually around 5-7 minutes.
• Lower the heat before adding your shredded cheeses to ensure they melt gently without clumping. Stir until completely smooth.

With these tips, you’ll have the perfect cheese sauce that envelopes the pasta just right! Enjoy your mac and cheese adventure!

Paula Deen’s Mac And Cheese

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Macaroni:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a little heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For Garnishing:

• Paprika
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious mac and cheese takes about 15 minutes of prep time and requires about 30-35 minutes to bake in the oven. In total, you’ll be looking at around 50 minutes to 1 hour from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your mac and cheese bakes evenly and gets that wonderful golden crust on top!

2. Cook the Macaroni:

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until just al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.

3. Make the Roux:

In a large heavy-bottom saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and keep whisking for about 2 minutes. This mixture, called a roux, will help thicken your cheese sauce.

4. Add Milk and Cream:

Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, making sure to avoid lumps. Continue whisking and cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens nicely.

5. Stir in the Cheeses:

Lower the heat to low and start adding the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses slowly. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. The aroma will be heavenly!

6. Season the Sauce:

Season your cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it). Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed to your liking!

7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well until every piece of pasta is coated in that creamy cheesy goodness.

8. Transfer to Baking Dish:

Prepare a greased baking dish and pour the mac and cheese mixture into it. Spread it out evenly for consistent cooking.

9. Top with Cheese and Paprika:

For an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle more shredded cheese on top. Then dust lightly with paprika to give it color and flavor.

10. Bake to Perfection:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

11. Serve and Enjoy:

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Feel free to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color before serving. Enjoy Paula Deen’s famous creamy mac and cheese!

Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Swap out the elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta can vary in cooking time.

How Can I Store Leftover Mac and Cheese?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little milk or cream to help restore creaminess.

Can I Freeze This Mac and Cheese?

Yes, you can freeze it! Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly.

What Can I Add to Customize This Dish?

Feel free to get creative! You can add cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables like broccoli or spinach, or even cooked chicken for a heartier meal. Just mix them in before baking for extra flavor and texture!