Dreamy Creamy Paula Deens Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this paula deen’s macaroni and cheese recipe that promises pure culinary bliss.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated rich, cheesy pasta dishes that warm the soul.

Creamy cheese cascades through tender pasta, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavor.

The blend of sharp cheddar and smooth ingredients delivers an irresistible texture that melts in your mouth.

Southern charm meets classic comfort in every delectable bite of this legendary mac and cheese.

Comfort never tasted so good, and this recipe will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor a timeless dish that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Cooking Paula Deen’s Mac and Cheese Step by Step

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the temperature to a toasty 350 degrees, getting your kitchen ready for cheesy magic.

• Boil Those Noodles

Drop the pasta into a pot of salty water, cooking until they’re just shy of fully done. Drain and let them hang out in the pot, waiting for their cheesy transformation.

• Create the Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a sizzling skillet, whisking in flour to create a smooth base. Pour in milk slowly, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a creamy dream. Stir in a mountain of shredded cheese until it’s gloriously melted and smooth.

• Mix and Marry the Ingredients

Pour the velvety cheese sauce over the waiting noodles, stirring until every single pasta piece is coated in cheesy goodness. Add some eggs to give the dish extra richness and structure.

• Bake to Perfection

Transfer the cheesy mixture into a baking dish, sprinkling extra cheese on top for a crispy golden crown. Slide into the preheated oven and bake until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges bubble with excitement.

• Let It Rest and Serve

Pull the mac and cheese out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This allows the molten cheese to settle and makes serving easier. Scoop out generous portions and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy.

Tips to Elevate Paula Deen’s Mac and Cheese

• Cheesy Perfection Tip: For extra creamy texture, grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce less smooth.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Swap regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux to make this dish celiac-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in some nutrition by adding roasted cauliflower, diced bell peppers, or spinach to the mac and cheese for extra texture and health benefits.
• Protein Power-Up: Mix in cooked diced chicken, crispy bacon bits, or crumbled ground beef to transform this side dish into a hearty main course.

Ways to Plate Paula Deen’s Mac and Cheese

• Comfort Plate Partner: Serve alongside tender roasted chicken or grilled barbecue pork chops for a hearty, satisfying meal that'll make everyone happy.
• Veggie Boost Companion: Mix in steamed broccoli florets or roasted asparagus spears to add nutrition and fresh green color to the creamy mac and cheese.
• Crispy Crunch Topper: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs, crushed butter crackers, or crispy bacon bits on top for an extra layer of texture and delicious crunch that elevates the classic dish.
• Southern Style Sidekick: Pair with classic Southern sides like collard greens, coleslaw, or a fresh summer salad to create a well-rounded, down-home meal that celebrates comfort food traditions.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 8

Paula Deen’s Mac and Cheese: Ingredients Guide

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic comfort noodle that creates the perfect creamy texture, choose high-quality durum wheat pasta for best results.

• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Sharp and melty cheeses that provide deep, tangy flavor and smooth consistency, select aged varieties for more intense taste.
• Heavy Cream: Luxurious base that ensures ultra-creamy and velvety sauce, opt for full-fat version for maximum richness.
• Whole Milk: Smooth liquid that helps blend cheese and create silky sauce, fresh and high-quality milk enhances overall flavor.
• Butter: Adds golden richness and helps create smooth roux, use unsalted butter for better control of salt levels.

• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances overall taste, use kosher or sea salt for better distribution.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle warmth and depth to cheese sauce, freshly ground pepper offers more robust flavor.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds luxurious texture, use room temperature egg for smoother incorporation.

Tools for That Creamy Mac and Cheese Magic

• Large pot: For boiling pasta and mixing ingredients.
• Colander: To drain cooked pasta.
• 9×13 inch baking dish: For baking and serving the mac and cheese.
• Whisk: To blend cheese sauce smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
• Cheese grater: To shred cheese if using block cheese.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and mixing ingredients.

Store Paula Deen’s Mac and Cheese the Southern Way

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep it sealed to maintain moisture and prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Reheating Magic: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture. Stir halfway through heating to distribute warmth evenly.
• Freezer Friendly: Pack cooled mac and cheese in freezer-safe containers, separating into single-serving portions. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick comfort meal is always ready.
• Make-Ahead Wisdom: Prepare the entire dish in advance, covering tightly with foil before baking. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake directly from the cold state, adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time.

Creamy Paula Deens Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy southern comfort shines in Paula Deen’s macaroni and cheese, delivering rich cheesy goodness. Comfort classic guaranteed to satisfy hungry diners with its indulgent blend of cheeses and hearty pasta.

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Ingredients

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• 2 ½ cups (10 oz) cheddar cheese, shredded, sharp
• ½ cup (2 oz) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 3 large eggs
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups (8 oz) elbow macaroni
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp dry mustard powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Pasta Preparation: Cook elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, drain, and return to the cooking pot.
3. Sauce Creation: In a saucepan, craft a velvety roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until golden, then gradually incorporate milk, stirring constantly to create a smooth, thickened base.
4. Cheese Integration: Remove sauce from heat and blend in cheddar, sharp cheese, and eggs until the mixture becomes glossy and uniform.
5. Combining Elements: Fold the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni, ensuring every pasta piece is thoroughly coated.
6. Baking Preparation: Transfer the mac and cheese to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly and topping with additional cheese and breadcrumbs for a crisp crust.
7. Final Cooking: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top achieves a golden-brown hue and edges become slightly bubbly.
8. Serving: Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes, which helps the cheese set and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Notes

• Control Pasta Texture: Boil macaroni just until al dente to prevent mushy consistency, ensuring pasta retains slight firmness when baking.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Temper eggs by slowly adding hot cheese mixture while whisking constantly to avoid scrambling and maintain smooth, creamy texture.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Use room temperature cheese and grate it freshly for optimal melting, creating a more uniform and luxurious sauce without graininess.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute regular milk with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for individuals with dietary restrictions while maintaining rich, comforting flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg