Paula Deen’s Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy dish that just makes your heart sing! With rich flavors and a golden top, it’s comfort food at its best.
This is my go-to recipe for cozy nights. I love how everyone gathers around the table for seconds (and thirds!). Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one close to your heart! ❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This classic pasta shape is perfect for holding the cheese sauce. If you’re looking for alternatives, you could use cavatappi or shells for a fun twist. Gluten-free pasta also works well!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp Cheddar adds great flavor, but feel free to mix it up! You can swap some for medium Cheddar or even a flavorful Gouda for a unique taste.
Colby Cheese: Colby is milder and creamy, but you can easily use Monterey Jack instead. It offers a smooth texture and melts beautifully.
Butter and Flour: These create the roux for the cheese sauce. For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the butter with olive oil and use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
How Do You Properly Make a Roux?
A roux is crucial for thickening your cheese sauce. It’s simple once you get the hang of it! Follow these steps:
- Start by melting the butter over medium heat until bubbly.
- Add in the flour and other seasonings quickly while whisking to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes. This prevents a raw flour taste.
- Make sure it’s smooth before adding milk. Gradually stir in, keeping the whisk moving to avoid lumps. The mixture will thicken and should not stick to the sides of the pan.
Taking your time here will make a big difference in the creaminess of your final dish!
Paula Deen’s Mac And Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 6 cups whole milk
- 4 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 4 cups shredded Colby cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or paprika
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious mac and cheese will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, making your total time around 45-50 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a cozy family meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pasta:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grab a large pot and bring some salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until it’s just al dente (about 6-7 minutes), then drain the pasta and set it aside. You want it to have a little bit of a bite since it will cook more in the oven.
2. Making the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan or deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s bubbly. Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dry mustard powder. Keep whisking for about 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux—this is the base for your sauce!
3. Adding Milk and Cheese:
Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles, which should take about 8-10 minutes. When you see those bubbles, reduce the heat to low and start adding the shredded cheeses—you can do this a handful at a time. Stir until each handful is melted and the sauce is wonderfully smooth.
4. Combining Everything:
Now comes the fun part! Add the cooked macaroni to your luscious cheese sauce and stir gently to coat all the pasta. Everything should be deliciously cheesy!
5. Baking to Perfection:
Transfer the pasta and cheese mixture to a big buttered baking dish, like a deep casserole or Dutch oven. For that extra crispy top, sprinkle some more shredded Cheddar or Parmesan cheese over the top. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes—or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a dash of paprika for a lovely touch. Now dig in and enjoy this rich, creamy, and perfectly cheesy mac and cheese!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use cavatappi, shells, or even penne for a fun twist. Just ensure the pasta is cooked to al dente so it holds up in the baking process.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce and cook the pasta in advance. Combine them and transfer to a baking dish, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it cold from the fridge!
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through—adding a splash of milk can help return some creaminess!
Can I Use Low-Fat Milk or Cheese Alternatives?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat milk, though it may alter the creaminess a bit. For a lighter version, feel free to use reduced-fat cheeses, but keep in mind they may not melt as perfectly as regular cheese. Enjoy experimenting!