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Soul Food Macaroni and Cheese

Soul Food Macaroni and Cheese
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Soul Food Macaroni and Cheese is a creamy, rich Southern classic combining tender elbow macaroni with a silky cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Velveeta or American cheese. Perfect for family dinners or holiday tables, this comforting dish offers a velvety, bold flavor that is simple to make and always satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Velveeta or American cheese, cubed
  • 3 cups whole milk or half-and-half
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF option)
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder or 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Topping (Optional)

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for GF option)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for tossing breadcrumbs)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente, meaning the pasta should still be firm to the bite. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste without browning.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: Gradually add the milk or half-and-half to the roux while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once smooth and slightly thickened, slowly melt in the shredded sharp cheddar and Velveeta/American cheese, stirring until the sauce is silky and smooth. Add mustard powder or Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to taste to enhance the flavor.
  4. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot, pour the creamy cheese sauce over it, and gently stir to coat each noodle evenly.
  5. Bake for a Golden Finish (Optional): Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Toss breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the dish is bubbly.

Notes

  • Use a blend of sharp cheddar and Velveeta for the best melt and flavor balance.
  • Melt cheeses over low heat to keep the sauce smooth and prevent clumping.
  • Undercook pasta slightly before combining to avoid mushy texture after baking.
  • Butter the breadcrumbs before baking to achieve a crisp, golden topping.
  • Add a splash of lemon juice or mustard to brighten the sauce without overpowering it.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni and cheese, soul food, Southern cooking, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/soul-food-macaroni-and-cheese/