Ohhh yes—that plate is soul food heaven 😍🍖🧀
🧀 Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese
🛒 Ingredients:
1 lb elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)
4 tbsp butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup Colby Jack or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Salt, pepper, garlic powder (to taste)
Optional: pinch of paprika or cayenne for a little kick
1/2 cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
1 egg (helps bind the bake, optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Boil pasta
Cook the macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Make the roux
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
3. Create the sauce
Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth.
Cook, stirring, until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
4. Add cheese & seasoning
Stir in all the cheeses (reserve a little for topping), then add sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional paprika or cayenne.
Stir until creamy and melty.
5. Mix pasta & sauce
Combine pasta and cheese sauce.
Optional: Mix in a beaten egg for a firmer baked texture.
6. Bake it
Pour into a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
7. Serve it hot
Garnish with a little chopped parsley and serve alongside those ribs.
💡 Pro Tip:
Add a layer of buttered breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers on top for crunch, or stir in crisp bacon bits for that extra savory pop.
Let me know if you want a smoked mac version to match the ribs or a spicy jalapeño twist!