Embrace the cheesy comfort of Macaroni and cheese
Indulging in the warmth and nostalgia that a serving of macaroni and cheese brings is a tradition that runs deep in many families. Personally, my love for this classic dish stems from the cherished memories of watching my grandmother and mother work their magic in the kitchen, meticulously preparing each ingredient with love and care. The way my late grandmother would delicately slice her cheese and expertly craft her egg and carnation milk mixture was a sight to behold. Inspired by their timeless recipe and my own fondness for roux, I've taken it upon myself to modernize and put a contemporary twist on this beloved dish.
Creamy Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Ingredients
1 lb. box of elbow noodle pasta
8 oz mild cheddar cheese
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese
8 oz Colby jack cheese
4 oz smoked Gouda cheese
4 oz Mozzarella cheese
Chicken Bouillon
Seasoning to taste (smoked paprika, garlic and onion powder, salt and pepper)
¼ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic paste
⅔ cup heavy cream
1 cup evaporated milk
Directions:
Begin by shredding the cheeses using a grater or food processor. Freshly shredded cheese is recommended for optimal melting.
Cook the pasta in water seasoned with chicken bouillon until it reaches an al dente consistency. Once cooked, set it aside and mix in a few tablespoons of butter to prevent clumping.
In a saucepan, melt butter with garlic paste. Stir until fully melted, then add flour and mix until a smooth paste forms.
Incorporate your chosen seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the mixture.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream and evaporated milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Add slightly over half of the shredded cheeses into the sauce, reserving some for the topping.
Stir until the cheese sauce becomes velvety and smooth, then remove from heat.
Transfer the cooked noodles to a baking dish and coat them evenly with the cheese sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top along with a dash of smoked paprika.
Bake uncovered at 375°F for approximately 20-25 minutes, or longer for a golden crust.
Serve warm as a delightful complement to your favorite soul food dishes.
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