Ingredients
Scale
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a fantastic dish. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious New Orleans Baked Mac and Cheese:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk (whole or 2% recommended)
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works great for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Feel free to mix and match cheeses! If you have some leftover Gouda or pepper jack, toss it in. This is about what works for you and your family.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large pot, boil water and cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy. Add garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, mixing well.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the Parmesan cheese and sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. If you want an extra crunch, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy the aroma that fills your kitchen!
As a tip, I like to sneak in some cooked vegetables, like spinach or broccoli, for added nutrition. My kids don’t even notice, and it’s a great way to get some greens into their diet!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: New Orleans Baked Mac and Cheese, recipe, cooking, food