Creamy Soul Food Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe (Print Version)

Experience rich, creamy Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese. Layers of tender pasta and a decadent cheese sauce, baked golden brown. A comforting classic for any gathering.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Soul Food

# Ingredients:

→ The Soulful Pasta Foundation

01 - 1 pound elbow macaroni
02 - 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for pasta water)

→ The Velvety Cheese Sauce Core

03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
04 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
05 - 3 cups whole milk
06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
08 - 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded
09 - 1 cup smoked Gouda cheese, freshly shredded

→ The Flavor & Texture Enhancers

10 - 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder

→ The Golden Crust Finish

15 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
16 - 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook 1 pound elbow macaroni in boiling water with 1 tablespoon kosher salt until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside. This foundational step ensures your Creamy Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe starts perfectly.
02 - In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until a light golden roux forms. Do not let it brown too much.
03 - Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream into the roux. Continue whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure no lumps remain for a smooth sauce.
04 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, and 1 cup smoked Gouda cheese until completely melted and smooth. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder for the ultimate Creamy Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe flavor.
05 - Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the prepared cheese sauce, stirring gently until all the pasta is evenly coated. Transfer the entire mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
06 - In a small bowl, combine 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese in the baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown. This creates a perfect crust for your Creamy Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe.
07 - Remove the Creamy Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, ensuring a truly creamy and cohesive dish when scooped.

# Notes:

01 - For an extra layer of flavor, consider grating a pinch of fresh nutmeg into the cheese sauce along with the other seasonings.
02 - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
03 - Always use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
04 - Do not overcook the pasta in the initial step; it should be al dente as it will continue to cook and absorb sauce in the oven.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot
02 - Large saucepan or Dutch oven
03 - Whisk
04 - Cheese grater
05 - 9x13 inch baking dish
06 - Measuring cups
07 - Measuring spoons

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 893 kcal
Total Fat: 58 g
Total Carbohydrate: 56 g
Protein: 37 g

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