Few dishes evoke the warmth, comfort, and nostalgia of home quite like a rich, creamy, and perfectly baked mac and cheese. And when it comes to iconic Southern comfort food, Paula Deen’s Mac and Cheese stands in a league of its own. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a culinary experience, a dish that transforms simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe promises a dish that will have everyone clamoring for seconds.
The Allure of Southern Mac and Cheese
What makes Southern mac and cheese so special? It’s often the generous use of butter, a medley of cheeses, and a baked finish that creates that irresistible golden-brown crust. Unlike some stovetop versions that prioritize speed, a true Southern mac and cheese takes its time, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to reach peak creamy perfection. Paula Deen’s version embodies all these characteristics, making it a benchmark for what classic baked macaroni and cheese should be. It’s a dish designed to feed a crowd, comfort the soul, and leave a lasting impression.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This recipe is more than just a list of ingredients and steps; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture. Here’s why Paula Deen’s Mac and Cheese deserves a spot on your table:
- Unrivaled Creaminess: The combination of evaporated milk and regular milk, along with a generous amount of cheese, creates an incredibly smooth and luscious sauce that coats every single noodle.
- Perfectly Baked Crust: The final bake in the oven is crucial. It results in a beautiful, slightly crispy, golden-brown top layer that contrasts wonderfully with the gooey interior.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You won’t find any exotic ingredients here. Just wholesome, readily available items that, when combined, produce a surprisingly complex and deeply satisfying flavor profile.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a guaranteed hit at potlucks, family gatherings, holiday meals, or simply as a comforting weeknight dinner. It’s universally loved by adults and children alike.
- Comfort Food at its Best: There’s something inherently soothing about a warm bowl of cheesy pasta. This recipe takes that comfort to an entirely new level.
The Star Ingredients
While the full recipe will be detailed below, it’s worth highlighting some of the key players that contribute to the magic of this dish:
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for a reason. Its small, curved shape perfectly cradles the creamy cheese sauce.
- A Blend of Cheeses: Typically, a sharp cheddar is the backbone, providing that essential tangy flavor. However, adding other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a touch of cream cheese can enhance the complexity and creaminess.
- Butter: A foundational ingredient in Southern cooking, butter adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
- Milk (Evaporated and Whole): The combination provides a depth of flavor and a creamy texture that whole milk alone might not achieve. Evaporated milk, being more concentrated, adds an extra layer of richness without making the sauce overly thin.
- Eggs: Often a surprise ingredient for those new to baked mac and cheese, eggs act as a binder, helping the sauce set and preventing it from becoming too runny. They contribute to the custard-like texture that is characteristic of many Southern baked mac and cheeses.
- Seasonings: Simple salt and black pepper are often all that’s needed, allowing the cheese to be the star. Some like to add a pinch of mustard powder or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick, but these are optional.
The Art of Building Layers of Flavor
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, but also in the way the flavors are built. It starts with perfectly cooked pasta – al dente is key, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Then comes the luxurious cheese sauce, a harmonious blend of melted cheeses, milk, and seasonings. Finally, the baking process not only melts the cheese into a gooey dream but also creates that desired golden crust, adding a delightful textural contrast.
Paula Deen’s Mac and Cheese Recipe
This recipe is designed to yield a generous 9×13 inch pan of mac and cheese, perfect for feeding a family or bringing to a gathering.
Yields: 8-10 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30-40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the dish
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or another good melting cheese like Colby or a mild cheddar), divided
- Optional garnishes: Fresh parsley, chopped (for serving)
Equipment:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven for making the sauce
- 9×13 inch baking dish
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside. Do not rinse the pasta; the starch helps the sauce adhere.
- Make the Roux: In the large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth paste, or roux. This step helps thicken the sauce and prevents a gritty texture.
- Create the Cheese Sauce Base: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and evaporated milk into the roux. Continue whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Temper the Egg: In a small bowl, lightly beat the large egg. To prevent the egg from scrambling when added to the hot sauce, you need to temper it. Slowly drizzle about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the beaten egg, whisking constantly. This gradually raises the temperature of the egg.
- Combine Egg and Sauce: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Whisk well to combine. This will make the sauce extra rich and help it set beautifully when baked.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in 3 cups of the sharp cheddar cheese and 1.5 cups of the Monterey Jack cheese into the milk mixture. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. You might want to add a little more salt than you think, as the pasta will absorb some of it.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce in the saucepan. Stir gently until all the macaroni is evenly coated with the rich cheese sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the macaroni.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set up a bit, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the macaroni to al dente (a little firm) as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta will become mushy.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce less smooth and sometimes gritty. Grating your own cheese from blocks will result in a much creamier sauce.
- Adjust Cheese to Your Liking: While cheddar is traditional, feel free to experiment with other good melting cheeses like Gruyere, Fontina, or even a touch of smoked Gouda for different flavor profiles.
- Temper the Egg Carefully: This step is crucial for preventing scrambled egg bits in your sauce. Go slow when adding the hot liquid to the egg.
- Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust your seasonings. Cheese sauces often need more salt than you might initially think.
- Serving Suggestions: This mac and cheese is a fantastic standalone meal but also pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, or a simple green salad.
- Reheating: Leftovers can be gently reheated in the microwave or oven. You may want to add a splash of milk to help restore creaminess if it appears dry.
The Legacy of Comfort Food
Paula Deen’s Mac and Cheese isn’t just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of comfort food. It reminds us of gathering around a table, sharing good food, and creating lasting memories. The richness, the creaminess, the comforting warmth – it’s everything you want in a classic mac and cheese, elevated to a level of pure indulgence. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and prepare to make a dish that will become a cherished favorite in your home. This is more than just food; it’s a hug in a baking dish, a taste of tradition, and a celebration of simple pleasures. Enjoy every single glorious bite!