This creamy and cheesy macaroni dish is a true comfort food! Packed with rich cheddar and a few secret touches, it’s sure to make everyone smile at the dinner table.
I can’t get enough of this mac and cheese! It’s so easy to whip up and always a hit with friends and family. Just grab a spoon and dig in—good luck stopping at just one bowl! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow macaroni: This is the classic choice for macaroni and cheese. If you don’t have any, you can use other small pasta shapes like shells, fusilli, or even a gluten-free pasta.
Butter: Unsalted butter is used here so you can control the saltiness of your dish. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a similar effect.
Cheeses: sharp cheddar and Colby Jack bring rich flavors, while Parmesan adds a nice touch of umami. If you want to mix things up, feel free to use mozzarella for a gooey texture or Gruyère for a slightly nutty taste.
Cream & Milk: The combination creates a rich sauce. If you’re looking for lighter options, you can use half-and-half instead or replace some milk with chicken or vegetable broth for extra flavor.
How Do You Make a Smooth Cheese Sauce Without Clumps?
Making a smooth cheese sauce is all about the roux and cooling techniques! After whisking the melted butter with flour, you must ensure it is cooked through to avoid a grainy texture. Here’s how:
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the roux.
- Whisk in the warmed milk and cream slowly. This prevents a temperature shock that can cause clumping.
- Once the cheese is added, stir constantly until it melts completely. If it looks too thick, add a splash more milk until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.
Following these tips will help you achieve a velvety cheese sauce perfect for your mac and cheese!
How to Make Paula Deen’s Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for slight heat)
- 1 quart (4 cups) milk, warmed
- 1 quart (4 cups) heavy cream, warmed
- 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 pound Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 pound Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley or paprika for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious macaroni and cheese recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to bake. So, plan for about 45 minutes in total to make this comforting dish that will surely please everyone at your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, you can prepare everything else. Don’t forget to lightly grease a large baking dish or Dutch oven so nothing sticks!
2. Cook the Macaroni:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions, but only until it’s just al dente (cooked but still slightly firm). Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In the same pot or a Dutch oven, melt 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter over medium heat. Add in the flour, whisking smoothly until the mixture becomes a nice roux. Keep whisking for about 2-3 minutes, making sure it doesn’t brown.
4. Add the Cream and Milk:
Now, gradually whisk in your warmed milk and heavy cream. Keep whisking until everything thickens and turns into a smooth mixture—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Season the Sauce:
Stir in the salt, black pepper, and if you like a bit of kick, go ahead and add the cayenne pepper. Mix it well!
6. Combine the Cheeses:
Now it’s cheese time! Remove the pot from the heat and slowly mix in the shredded cheddar, Colby Jack, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
7. Mix in the Macaroni:
Add your cooked macaroni to the cheesy goodness and toss gently to coat all the noodles with that luscious sauce.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish or Dutch oven.
9. Add Butter for a Golden Top:
If you want an extra tasty crust, melt the remaining 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter and drizzle it over the top of the mixture.
10. Bake:
Put your dish in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the cheese sauce settle a bit.
12. Garnish and Enjoy:
For a pretty touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley or paprika on top before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Paula Deen’s Mac And Cheese warm!
This classic dish is truly a heartwarming option, perfect for big family meals or any gathering where comfort food is a must!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other small pasta shapes like shells, fusilli, or even penne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.
How Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prep the mac and cheese in advance! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or warm in the oven. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the creaminess.
Can I Substitute the Cheeses?
Yes, you can mix and match cheeses! Feel free to substitute with cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or even pepper jack for an added kick. Just ensure you still have a melty cheese like cheddar for that creamy texture.
