Paula Deen’s Macaroni and Cheese Recipe for Ultimate Comfort

Creamy comfort calls to mac and cheese enthusiasts seeking southern-style goodness.

Cheese lovers recognize this classic dish as pure culinary magic.

Southern kitchens embrace rich, decadent flavors that dance across taste buds.

Hearty ingredients blend together in a symphony of deliciousness.

Warm memories of childhood dinners emerge with each cheesy bite.

Melted goodness promises satisfaction beyond ordinary pasta expectations.

Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’ll make your dinner table sing.

What Goes Great with a Big Dish of Mac and Cheese

• A crisp Chardonnay cuts through the rich, creamy cheese, balancing the dish's heaviness with its bright acidity and subtle oak undertones.
• Serve alongside grilled chicken or honey-glazed ham to add lean protein that contrasts the mac and cheese's decadent texture.
• Prepare a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, light counterpoint to the heavy, comforting pasta dish.
• Choose a hoppy India Pale Ale (IPA) that offers refreshing bitterness to cut through the cheese's richness and cleanse the palate between bites.

Ways to Remix This Mac and Cheese Recipe

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap standard elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Replace dairy cheese with nutritional yeast, cashew cheese, or plant-based cheese shreds for a dairy-free and vegan-friendly option.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini, cauliflower rice, or spaghetti squash strands to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Protein-Packed Upgrade: Incorporate diced chicken, crispy bacon bits, or cooked ground turkey to enhance the protein profile and add extra flavor complexity.

Macaroni and Cheese FAQs You’ll Want to Know

• What kind of cheese works best for this mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar cheese provides the most robust flavor, giving the dish a rich and tangy taste that really makes the recipe special. You can also mix in some mild cheddar or monterey jack for added complexity.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour when making the cheese sauce. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

• Is it okay to prepare this mac and cheese in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the refrigerator.

• How can I prevent the mac and cheese from becoming dry?

The key is to not overbake and to create a creamy sauce base. Use plenty of milk and cheese in your sauce, and cover the dish with foil for part of the baking time to retain moisture.

What Makes Paula Deen’s Mac and Cheese So Comforting

• Enjoy a classic, crowd-pleasing dish that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece kids and adults adore.
• Whip up this comforting meal in under 45 minutes with straightforward steps that require basic cooking skills and standard kitchen tools.
• Create a filling, delicious dinner using affordable ingredients like pasta, milk, and cheese that stretch to feed a hungry family without breaking the bank.
• Perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a satisfying side dish that complements grilled meats and summer barbecues.

What You’ll Need for This Southern Baked Macaroni

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for holding creamy cheese sauce, whole wheat or regular varieties work well.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides rich, tangy flavor, extra sharp recommended for more intense taste.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth, velvety cheese sauce base.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, thick texture for the mac and cheese.
• Milk: Helps thin and blend the cheese sauce to desired consistency.
• Eggs: Binds the casserole together and adds extra richness to the dish.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the dish, use kosher or sea salt for best results.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the cheese sauce.
• Dry Mustard Powder: Brings a slight tangy kick and depth to the cheese flavor.

How to Make Creamy Mac and Cheese the Paula Way

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook elbow macaroni in salted water until just tender. Drain and return to the pot, keeping the pasta ready for its cheesy transformation.

Step 2: Craft the Cheese Sauce Base

• Flour
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir continuously to create a smooth, golden roux that will be the foundation of your creamy sauce.

Step 3: Pour in Dairy Goodness

• Whole milk
• Heavy cream

Whisk constantly to prevent lumps and create a silky smooth mixture. Continue cooking until the sauce begins to thicken and coat the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Cheese Melting Magic

• Cheddar cheese
• Colby jack cheese

Stir until the cheeses melt completely, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce that will make mouths water.

Step 5: Combine and Season

Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni. Mix gently but thoroughly, ensuring every pasta piece is generously coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the mac and cheese to a buttered baking dish. Top with an extra sprinkle of cheese if desired. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the ultimate comfort food straight from the South.

Tips for the Best Texture and Cheesy Finish

• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Drain macaroni exactly when it reaches al dente stage to maintain a firm texture and avoid mushy mac and cheese.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Grate cheese freshly and allow it to come to room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother, more even melting throughout the dish.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of mustard powder or nutmeg to enhance the cheese sauce's complexity and create a more sophisticated taste profile.
• Customize Texture Trick: For extra creaminess, mix in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce before baking for a luxurious, velvety finish.
• Crispy Top Secret: Sprinkle extra breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking to create a golden, crunchy layer that contrasts with the creamy interior.

How to Store and Reheat Paula’s Famous Mac

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the mac and cheese fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled mac and cheese to a freezer-safe container, which can preserve the dish for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place mac and cheese in a baking dish, add a splash of milk to restore moisture, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Sprinkle a little milk over the mac and cheese, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Paula Deens Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy Southern comfort shines in Paula Deen’s macaroni and cheese, a classic dish that blends rich cheeses and hearty pasta. Hungry guests will savor each comforting, golden spoonful of this crowd-pleasing Southern classic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (8 ounces) elbow macaroni
• 2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Dairy and Fat Components:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasoning and Spices:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing a suitable baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or butter.
2. Boil the elbow macaroni in generously salted water, ensuring it remains slightly firm to the bite. Carefully drain the pasta, then transfer back to the original cooking pot.
3. In a separate large saucepan, create a velvety cheese sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour to form a smooth roux, cooking until it turns a delicate golden hue.
4. Gradually pour in milk, continuously stirring to prevent lumps from forming, and allow the mixture to thicken and become creamy.
5. Remove the sauce from heat and fold in shredded cheddar, sharp cheese, and eggs, blending until uniformly combined and glossy.
6. Pour the luxurious cheese mixture over the cooked macaroni, gently stirring to ensure every pasta piece is lavishly coated.
7. Transfer the mac and cheese to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and creating a tempting surface.
8. Sprinkle additional cheese and breadcrumbs across the top for a crisp, golden crust.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges become slightly bubbly.
10. Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving, which helps the cheese set and intensifies the flavors.

Notes

• Prevent mushy pasta by cooking macaroni exactly al dente, ensuring a perfect texture when baked.
• Enhance creaminess by using a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar and gruyere for deeper flavor complexity.
• Customize the dish for dietary needs by substituting whole milk with lactose-free milk or creating a gluten-free version using alternative pasta.
• Add crispy breadcrumb topping for extra crunch by mixing panko with melted butter and sprinkling over the mac and cheese before final baking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg