This Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting! With a perfect blend of sharp cheddar and buttery goodness, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
When I make this, I can’t resist sneaking a taste before serving. Who can blame me? It’s just that good! Serve it warm for an extra cozy treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for mac and cheese! If you want something different, try using cavatappi or shells for a fun twist. They hold the cheese sauce well, too.
Cheddar and Colby Cheese: These cheeses give the dish its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, swap in low-fat cheese or use mild cheddar for less sharpness. Just remember, different cheeses will change the flavor profile.
Half-and-Half or Cream: Half-and-half adds creaminess without being too heavy. If you want to lighten it up, use whole milk, but your mac might be less rich. Dairy-free? Look for coconut or almond milk alternatives, but the consistency may differ.
Butter: This recipe uses unsalted butter for better control of saltiness. You could substitute with olive oil, but it may change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Make Sure My Cheese Sauce is Smooth?
Making a smooth cheese sauce can be tricky, but here’s how to do it right:
- Use a low heat to melt the butter and mix in the milk and half-and-half slowly.
- Add cheese gradually, stirring constantly to avoid clumps. If you add it all at once, you might end up with a lumpy sauce.
- Remove the pan from heat before adding the cheese for the final melt to prevent overcooking, which can lead to a grainy texture.
Following these steps should help you achieve a creamy, delicious mixture that coats the pasta perfectly!
Paula Deen’s Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (16 oz) box elbow macaroni
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 lb Colby cheese, shredded
- 1 pint half-and-half (or heavy cream)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus about 30 minutes for baking. So, in total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes from start to finish for this creamy and delicious mac and cheese!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your mac and cheese bakes evenly and becomes perfectly golden and bubbly.
2. Cook the Macaroni:
Next, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. This means it should still have a little bite to it but not be fully cooked. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.
3. Melt the Butter:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Make sure not to brown it; you just want it to be completely melted.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
Once the butter is melted, gradually stir in the half-and-half and milk. Heat this mixture until it’s just warm—this is an important step to help the cheese melt smoothly! After that, gradually add the shredded cheddar, Colby, and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until all the cheese is melted and the mixture is nice and smooth.
5. Season the Sauce:
Add salt and black pepper to the cheese sauce, giving it a taste to adjust as needed. This is where you can customize the flavor to your liking!
6. Combine the Macaroni and Sauce:
Toss the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece of pasta is well-coated with that delicious cheesy mixture.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a buttered baking dish or Dutch oven. Spread it out evenly.
8. Add a Pop of Color:
If you’d like, sprinkle paprika evenly over the top. This will not only add color but a hint of flavor, too!
9. Bake Until Golden:
Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and bubbly!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the mac and cheese sit for 5 minutes before serving. This will help it set just a little. If you want, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a lovely touch before diving in!
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and irresistible comfort classic inspired by Paula Deen! It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering.
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Gluten-free elbow macaroni will work just fine in this recipe. Just cook it according to the package instructions, as gluten-free pasta may have different cooking times.
What Can I Substitute for Half-and-Half?
If you don’t have half-and-half, you can use heavy cream for a richer flavor or just stick with whole milk for a lighter version. For a dairy-free option, try unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, but be aware they may slightly alter the taste.
How Can I Make This Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time?
To prepare it ahead, assemble the mac and cheese as normal but don’t bake it right away. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and it might need an extra 5-10 minutes to cook through.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes! You can freeze leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it up in the oven or on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.
