Soul food macaroni and cheese recipe

Soul food macaroni and cheese recipe

Introduction:
Soul Food Macaroni and Cheese is a beloved classic that brings comfort and joy to the table. With its rich, creamy texture and cheesy flavor, this dish is a staple in many Southern households. It’s the perfect side dish for family gatherings, holidays, or a simple weeknight dinner.

Inspiration Behind the Recipe:
This recipe celebrates the traditions of Southern cooking, where macaroni and cheese is often made with love and a variety of cheeses, creating a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Each family may have its own secret twist, but the essence remains the same: a deliciously cheesy comfort food.

Ingredients Breakdown:

  • For the Macaroni:
    • 1 pound elbow macaroni
    • 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
  • For the Cheese Sauce:
    • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
    • 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
    • 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
    • 4 cups whole milk
    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
    • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • For Topping (optional):
    • 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
    • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
    • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Step-by-Step Recipe:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 3-quart baking dish.
  2. Cook the Macaroni:
    • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
    • In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
    • Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
    • Lower the heat and add the cream cheese, stirring until melted and fully incorporated.
    • Stir in the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce. Mix until the pasta is well-coated.
  5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
    • Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  6. Prepare the Topping (if using):
    • In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are well-coated.
    • Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
  7. Bake the Dish:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  8. Serve:
    • Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Soul Food Macaroni and Cheese with your favorite main dishes!

Tips for the Perfect Soul Food Macaroni and Cheese:

  1. Use Quality Cheese: Opt for block cheese that you shred yourself for better melting and flavor.
  2. Adjust Cheese Types: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like gouda, pepper jack, or Monterey jack for added flavor.
  3. Creaminess: For a creamier texture, add an extra splash of milk or cream cheese as needed.

Variations and Customizations:

  1. Add Protein: Mix in cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken for a heartier dish.
  2. Vegetable Additions: Incorporate steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted red peppers for a nutritional boost.
  3. Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a kick.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:

  • Lighten It Up: Use low-fat cheese and milk or swap some of the pasta for vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower.
  • Portion Control: This dish is rich, so consider serving smaller portions alongside a salad or vegetables.

FAQ:

  1. Can I make this ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and cheese in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
  2. What can I use instead of elbow macaroni?
    Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as shells, penne, or rotini.
  3. Can I freeze leftovers?
    Yes, you can freeze baked macaroni and cheese. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Soul food macaroni and cheese recipe

Soul food macaroni and cheese recipe

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Soul Food Macaroni and Cheese, featuring creamy cheese and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked to golden perfection. This Southern classic is a must-have at any gathering or family meal!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 471 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 to 10 ounces elbow macaroni
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk
  • 2 eggs lightly beaten
  • 1½ teaspoons white pepper
  • 1½ teaspoons granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ cup 1 stick butter, cut into small pieces
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • ½ pound Velveeta cut into small chunks
  • 8 ounces shredded Colby-Jack cheese or 4 ounces Colby and 4 ounces Monterey Jack
  • 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350º. Bring large pot of water to boil and then salt generously. Cook macaroni just shy of package directions, al dente. Drain well and place in 9″ by 13″ baking dish or pan.
  • In same pasta pot, whisk together whole milk, evaporated milk, eggs, salt, pepper and sugar until combined. Pour mixture over cooked macaroni in pan.
  • Add butter, sour cream, Velveeta, Colby-Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses. Stir to combine well and top evenly with shredded mild cheddar.
  • Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned on top. Let rest 10 minutes or so before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • People swear by Velveeta in this recipe, do not use a substitute.
  • While pre-packaged shredded cheese works fine, grating your own is the better option.  It just melts better.
  • It’s going to be oily on top after baking, that’s how it is with real cheeses and butter.  If you think it’s excessive, blot some up with a paper towel while it rests.  I do sometimes.
  • Reheats are great, just pop in the microwave.
  • This is filling and hearty enough to serve as the main dish but most often it is a side dish.  It’s unbelievably good alongside collard greens and fried chicken!

Nutrition

Calories: 471kcal Carbohydrates: 26g Protein: 22g Fat: 31g Saturated Fat: 19g Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 8g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 124mg Sodium: 889mg Potassium: 315mg Fiber: 1g Sugar: 7g Vitamin A: 1122IU Vitamin C: 1mg Calcium: 565mg Iron: 1mg
Keyword Soul food macaroni and cheese recipe
Share
Pin2
2 Shares