Paula Deen’s Macaroni and Cheese Recipe – The Secret Ingredient You’ll Never Guess
Looking for a creamy, cheesy dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds? Paula Deen’s Macaroni and Cheese is the answer! This recipe combines rich flavors and smooth, velvety cheese to create the ultimate comfort food.
This mac and cheese will surely be a hit, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup butter (unsalted)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 (8-ounce) package of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 (8-ounce) package of Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional: 1 cup breadcrumbs for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta
- Start by boiling the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water. Cook according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once fully melted, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the mixture warm up, but don’t bring it to a boil—just enough to make it nice and creamy.
- Add the Cheese
- Slowly add in the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir continuously until both cheeses have completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Whisk in the Eggs and Seasoning
- In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the eggs. Add the eggs to the cheese sauce, stirring quickly so the eggs don’t scramble. Season with salt and pepper. The eggs give the mac and cheese its creamy, custard-like texture, so don’t skip this step!
- Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheesy sauce and stir until every noodle is covered with that cheesy goodness.
- Bake the Mac and Cheese
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for an extra crispy topping. Pop it in the oven at 350°F and bake for 30 minutes or until it’s golden and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Once your mac and cheese is out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes to firm up. Then, scoop it out and serve it up hot! It’s the perfect side dish for fried chicken, barbecue, or a salad if you want a comforting meal.
Chef’s Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese:
- Cheese Combo: Mixing sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack gives you the best of both worlds—sharp flavor and creamy meltiness.
- Creamier Texture: If you like extra creamy mac and cheese, add more heavy cream or even some milk.
- Season to Taste: Taste your sauce before mixing in the pasta. Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of mustard powder if you want a little extra kick.
- Crispy Topping: Don’t skip the breadcrumbs! They’ll add a wonderful crunch to contrast the creamy cheese.
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, and it’s so easy to make! Paula Deen’s Macaroni and Cheese brings all the flavors you love and will surely become a family favorite in no time. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
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