Rich Paula Deen Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe Delight

Paula Deen’s baked mac and cheese embodies Southern comfort food at its finest, whisking you into a realm of cheesy bliss.

Generations have savored this hearty dish that magically elevates simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Creamy cheese cascades over tender pasta, creating a symphonic dance of flavors that warms the soul.

Sharp cheddar and tender noodles intertwine, promising a luxurious experience with every forkful.

Crisp golden breadcrumbs crown this decadent creation, adding a delightful crunch that elevates the entire dish.

The bubbling, molten cheese beckons with an irresistible aroma that guarantees smiles and satisfied appetites.

This isn’t just a recipe, it’s a love letter to Southern cooking that will have everyone craving seconds.

Grab your skillet and get ready to become the kitchen hero your family will adore.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything You Need for Baked Mac and Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: Select fresh, high-quality pasta for best texture and authentic comfort food experience.

• Cheddar Cheese, American Cheese: Choose sharp cheddar for robust flavor and creamy American cheese for smooth melting consistency.

• Whole Milk: Opt for full-fat milk to ensure rich, luxurious sauce texture.
• Sour Cream: Select tangy, fresh sour cream to add depth and creaminess.
• Large Eggs: Use fresh, room-temperature eggs for smooth sauce integration.
• Butter: Pick unsalted butter for precise flavor control.
• Hot Pepper Sauce: Select a classic brand like Tabasco for subtle heat kick.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for balanced seasoning.

Instructions to Prepare Baked Mac and Cheese

• Preheat and Prep Baking Space

Fire up the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish to create a non-stick surface for your cheesy masterpiece.

• Cook and Melt Pasta Base

Boil elbow macaroni until tender, then return to the pot and instantly fold in cheddar and american cheese, stirring until everything transforms into a luscious, melted blend.

• Whisk Creamy Sauce

Combine milk, sour cream, eggs, melted butter, hot pepper sauce, and salt in a bowl, blending until the mixture becomes silky smooth and perfectly integrated.

• Assemble and Bake Casserole

Transfer the cheese-coated pasta into the prepared baking dish, pour the velvety sauce over the top, ensuring complete coverage. Slide into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the surface turns a tempting golden brown and edges start bubbling with cheesy intensity.

• Rest and Serve

Allow the mac and cheese to settle for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the sauce set and makes serving easier. The result will be a creamy, dreamy comfort food that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Pro Tips and Cheesy Enhancements

Mix different cheese varieties like gruyere, monterey jack, or gouda to create a unique flavor profile that makes your mac and cheese stand out from ordinary recipes.

Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, diced jalapeños, or breadcrumbs on top before baking to add extra crunch and layer more exciting textures into your classic dish.

Swap whole milk for low-fat milk and incorporate pureed butternut squash or cauliflower into the sauce for added nutrition without compromising the creamy deliciousness.

Fold in cooked quinoa, diced bell peppers, or black beans to transform this mac and cheese into a more substantial meal that satisfies hunger and provides balanced nutrients.

Plating Ideas for Mac and Cheese

• Pair with Protein Pals: Serve alongside grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, or pulled pork to add extra protein and hearty flavor to your mac and cheese.
• Fresh Veggie Boost: Top with roasted broccoli florets, sautéed spinach, or diced bell peppers to bring some fresh crunch and nutrition to the cheesy dish.
• Crispy Topping Craze: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or chopped fresh herbs like parsley on top for a delightful textural contrast and added zest.
• Wine and Dine Companion: Complement this rich mac and cheese with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer to balance the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The creamy texture stays best when sealed tightly.
• Freeze with Care: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen mac and cheese keeps well for 2-3 months, maintaining its delicious flavor profile.
• Reheat Like a Pro: Revive cold mac and cheese by adding a splash of milk before microwaving. Stir halfway through heating to distribute warmth evenly and prevent dry spots.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this dish in advance for busy weeknights. Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking, then cover and refrigerate until ready to cook. Simply pop it in the oven when you're set for a comforting meal.

Equipment Essentials for Cheesy Pasta Bake

• Oven: Preheated to 350°F for perfect baking.
• 9-by-13-inch Baking Dish: Greased and ready for the mac and cheese magic.
• Large Pot: For boiling pasta and keeping it warm.
• Mixing Bowl: Used for whisking the creamy sauce ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring cheese into hot pasta.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts.

Cheesy Paula Deen Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s Baked Mac and Cheese combines creamy cheeses and a golden, crispy topping for ultimate comfort. Hearty pasta layers merge with rich dairy goodness, promising a satisfying meal that brings warmth to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (473 ml) elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 8 oz (227 g) cheddar cheese
• 8 oz (227 g) American cheese
• 1 cup (237 ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (118 ml) sour cream
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter
• 1 tsp (5 ml) hot pepper sauce, bottled
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
2. Pasta Cooking: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until perfectly al dente, then drain and return to the hot saucepan, maintaining optimal pasta texture.
3. Cheese Integration: Swiftly incorporate shredded cheddar and American cheeses into the steaming macaroni, creating a luxurious, velvety cheese coating that envelops each pasta piece.
4. Creamy Binding: Whisk together whole milk, sour cream, large eggs, melted unsalted butter, hot pepper sauce, and kosher salt until a smooth, homogeneous liquid forms, providing rich depth and binding properties.
5. Assembly and Baking: Spread the cheese-drenched macaroni evenly in the prepared dish, then gently pour the milk-egg mixture over the top, ensuring complete coverage; bake for 35-40 minutes until the surface turns golden-brown and edges bubble with appetizing intensity.
6. Resting and Serving: Allow the baked mac and cheese to rest for 10 minutes, letting the sauce set and flavors meld, creating a decadent, creamy masterpiece ready to be savored.

Notes

• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, sharp cheddar and creamy American cheese for maximum flavor depth and smooth texture.
• Pasta Texture is Key: Cook macaroni just to al dente to prevent mushy results and maintain a pleasant bite in the final dish.
• Mixing Technique Crucial: Fold cheese into hot pasta immediately to create a seamless, glossy cheese coating that enhances overall taste.
• Resting Period Essential: Allow the baked mac and cheese to rest for 10 minutes, which helps the sauce thicken and flavors meld perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg