How to Make the Most Delicious Paula Deen Mac and Cheese Ever

Craving a taste of the South? Look no further than Paula Deen mac and cheese. This iconic dish is a testament to Southern comfort food at its finest. It’s a symphony of rich, creamy cheese sauce enveloping tender macaroni, resulting in a baked masterpiece that’s sure to satisfy any craving. This Paula Deen mac and cheese recipe is renowned for its simplicity and indulgent flavor, making it a beloved favorite for family dinners and special occasions.

Recipe Card

Recipe name: Paula Deen Mac and Cheese

Description: This classic Southern Paula Deen mac and cheese is a rich and creamy baked casserole bursting with cheesy flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Calories: Approximately 500 per serving (estimates may vary)

Ingredients List

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 3 cups (12 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (4 ounces) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Then, add the macaroni and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter on medium heat. Add the flour and whisk it in, cooking for about a minute while stirring continuously to create a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until the mixture is nice and smooth. Keep stirring constantly and bring it to a simmer until it thickens.
4. Season: Stir in the salt, pepper, mustard powder, and paprika.
5. Add cheese: Slowly mix in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese while stirring continuously until everything is melted and smooth.
6. Combine: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni in a large greased baking dish. Stir to coat evenly.
7. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
8. Rest: Let the Paula Deen mac and cheese stand for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.

Notes

• For extra richness, top with additional shredded cheese before baking.
• You can use any type of macaroni pasta you prefer, such as shells or penne.
• For a little extra heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
• Calories: Approximately 500
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Paula Deen mac and cheese recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for several reasons:

• Creamy and cheesy perfection: The combination of heavy cream and a generous amount of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese creates a luscious, velvety sauce that coats every bite of pasta.
• Authentic Southern flavor: This recipe captures the essence of classic Southern cooking with its rich flavors and comforting texture.
• Simple yet indulgent: Despite its decadent taste, this Paula Deen mac and cheese is surprisingly easy to make with readily available ingredients.

How to Make Paula Deen Mac and Cheese (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Boil the macaroni pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil until it’s rolling.
• Stir in the macaroni and cook it following the package instructions until it’s al dente.
• If you overcook the pasta, it can become mushy, so try to cook it until it has a slightly firm bite.
• Drain the cooked macaroni thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the cheese sauce:

• In a large saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat until it’s melted.
• Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a smooth roux.
• Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure to avoid any lumps.
• Gently heat the mixture, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and starts to simmer.
• Season with salt, pepper, mustard powder, and paprika.

Step 3: Assemble and bake:

• Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni in a greased baking dish.
• Stir gently to combine the macaroni and cheese sauce evenly.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Optional Step 4: Finishing Touches:

• For extra flavor and texture, sprinkle the top of the baked Paula Deen mac and cheese with additional shredded cheese, breadcrumb

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

• Macaroni pasta: Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for this recipe, but you can also use other pasta shapes like shells, penne, or even small cavatappi.
• Cheese options:
  • Cheddar cheese is the star of the show, providing that classic sharp flavor.
  • Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack (as in the original recipe), or even a blend of sharp and mild cheeses.
• Dairy alternatives:
  • For a lighter version, you can substitute some of the heavy cream with whole milk or even half-and-half.
  • For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, plant-based milk alternatives like almond milk or oat milk can be used, although you may need to adjust the amount of thickener (like cornstarch) to achieve the desired consistency.
• Seasonings:
  • The recipe calls for classic seasonings like salt, pepper, mustard powder, and paprika.
  • Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.

Expert Tips for Success

• Cheese selection:
  • Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
  • Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly than pre-shredded cheese, as the latter usually has anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
• Don’t overcook pasta:
  • Cook the macaroni according to package directions, but aim for al dente.
  • Overcooked pasta will become mushy and ruin the texture of your Paula Deen mac and cheese.
• Perfect bake time:
  • Keep a close eye on the Paula Deen mac and cheese as it bakes. It should have a golden brown and bubbly top, with a creamy and bubbly inside.
• Balancing flavors:
  • Taste the cheese sauce before adding it to the pasta.
  • Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste – it’s up to you to decide how much or how little you like.

Variations and Customizations

• Spicy twist:
  • For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
  • Include diced jalapeños or chopped green chiles for extra spice.
• Meaty addition:
  • Stir in cooked bacon, chopped ham, or crumbled sausage to the macaroni and cheese for a hearty and flavorful twist.
• Vegetarian-friendly:
  • Add a cup of chopped spinach, steamed broccoli florets, or sautéed onions and mushrooms to the cheese sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Gluten-free version:
  • Substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta.
  • Use a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the cheese sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerating leftovers:
  • Store leftover Paula Deen mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing tips:
  • Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight freezer-safe container.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating methods:
  • Oven: Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
  • Stovetop: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  • Microwave: Reheat in short bursts, stirring in between, to prevent drying out.

Serving Suggestions

• As a main dish:
  • Serve Paula Deen mac and cheese as a hearty main course alongside a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread.
• As a side dish:
  • This classic dish is perfect for holiday feasts, potlucks, and backyard barbecues.
• Toppings and garnishes:
  • Sprinkle with additional shredded cheese, crispy breadcrumbs, or fresh chopped parsley for extra flavor and presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What makes Paula Deen mac and cheese unique?
  • Paula Deen mac and cheese is known for its rich and creamy texture, achieved by using a combination of heavy cream and whole milk in the cheese sauce.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
  • Absolutely! You can make the cheese sauce in advance and keep it in the refrigerator.
  • Assemble and bake the mac and cheese just before serving.
• What’s the ideal cheese combination for mac and cheese?
  • A combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese creates a delicious flavor profile.
  • You can also experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or Gouda.
• How can I keep mac and cheese from becoming dry?
  • Cover the baking dish loosely with foil during the first 20 minutes of baking to prevent the top from drying out too quickly.

Related Recipes

Looking for more cheesy inspiration? Check out these other delicious mac and cheese recipes:

• Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese Recipe: Discover the secret to replicating the beloved Chick-fil-A mac and cheese at home.
• Chicken and Cheddar Baked Mac and Cheese: Enjoy a hearty and flavorful combination of chicken and cheese in this classic baked dish.
• Classic Southern Comfort Dishes: Explore a collection of time-honored Southern recipes, including other comforting classics like fried chicken, cornbread, and peach cobbler.

Conclusion

This Paula Deen mac and cheese recipe is a true Southern comfort food classic. With its rich, creamy texture and irresistible cheesy flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.