Description
Paula Deen Mac and Cheese is the ultimate Southern comfort food! Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, this classic dish is a crowd-pleaser for holidays, potlucks, or family dinners. Perfect for pairing with your favorite sides!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked elbow macaroni (about 2 cups uncooked)
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack/Colby for a milder taste)
- 1 cup grated Velveeta cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 4 tablespoons melted butter (unsalted or plant-based alternatives work)
- 1 cup milk (use whole milk or a dairy-free alternative)
- 3 eggs, beaten (or vegan flaxseed meal substitute)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Optional Toppings:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers (for a crunchy topping)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (to mix with breadcrumbs)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni and cook according to the package (7-8 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 beaten eggs, ½ cup sour cream, 4 tablespoons melted butter, 1 cup milk, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper.
- Stir in 2 cups sharp cheddar and 1 cup Velveeta cheese.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
- Fold the cooked pasta gently into the cheese mixture, ensuring all noodles are coated evenly.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread out evenly.
Add Optional Topping:
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers over the top.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter if using for extra crunch.
Bake to Perfection:
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- For a softer texture, cover with foil for the first 20 minutes, then remove to brown.
Rest and Serve:
- Let the mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes to set before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or paprika for added flavor and color. Enjoy warm!
Notes
To achieve the creamiest texture, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents. For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt and use gluten-free pasta if needed. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days—reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Paula Deen Mac and Cheese, Southern mac and cheese, creamy baked mac and cheese, classic mac and cheese, cheese casserole, holiday side dish, easy mac and cheese recipe