New Orleans Baked Mac ‘N’ Cheese

New Orleans Baked Mac ‘N’ Cheese

4.8(146)

This mac ‘n’ cheese recipe may be a little different from what you are used to eating. In New Orleans, we make our mac ‘n’ cheese with spaghetti. Yes, you read that right. We also call it baked spaghetti. Regardless of what you call it, this is a great comforting dish.

Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Yield
8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for boiling
  • 1 lb dried spathetti (455 g)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne
  • 1 qt half & half (1 L)
  • ½ cup heavy cream (120 mL)
  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (400 g), divided
  • 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese (200 g), divided
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (200 g), divided

Nutrition Info

  • Calories 1022
  • Fat 71g
  • Carbs 55g
  • Fiber 2g
  • Sugar 7g
  • Protein 40g

How to Make It

1. Step
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
3. Step
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until incorporated and smooth. Cook until golden brown, about 30 seconds. Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne and whisk to combine.
4. Step
Gradually add the half-and-half, whisking for 30–60 seconds between each addition until starting to thicken before adding more. Whisk in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and no lumps remain. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly to prevent scorching on the bottom of the pot.
5. Step
Reduce the heat to medium and whisk in 2 cups (200 g) cheddar, 1 cup (100 g) pepper Jack, and 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella until the cheese is melted. Remove the pot from the heat.
6. Step
Add the spaghetti to a 9 x 13-inch (13 x 22 cm) baking dish and pour the cheese sauce on top. Stir well to coat the noodles with the sauce.
7. Step
In a medium bowl, toss together the remaining 2 cups (200 g) cheddar, 1 cup (100 g) pepper Jack, and 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the spaghetti.
8. Step
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
9. Step
Enjoy!

Tags

VegetarianUnder 1 HourUnder 45 MinutesHigh-ProteinBlack History MonthComfort FoodSidesDinnerLiquid Measuring CupSpecial OccasionOven MittsMeasuring SpoonsColanderEasyBakeStove TopCasual PartyDry Measuring CupsOven

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