Soul Food Macaroni and Cheese Recipe (2024)

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Soul Food Macaroni and Cheese Recipe (1) By Rosie
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Best SouthernSoul Food Macaroni and Cheese recipe. Requires NO Velveeta cheese, nor eggs!

Soul Food Macaroni and Cheese Recipe (2)

Table of Contents

  1. Watch myvideo tutorial
  2. Soul Food Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

There is something about homemade macaroni and cheese that makes me want a complete soul food meal. I’m talking about crispy fried chicken, tender collard greens with ham hocks, buttery cornbread, and super creamy cheesy mac and cheese. Yassss! Just the thought of it take me back to my childhood!

I remember it just like it was yesterday. My mom would wake up early every Sunday to get started on dinner. She’d turn on the radio, play that good ol’ r&b ( explains why I listen to r&b while I cook!), and go in!My momwould be in the kitchen all Sunday peeling potatoes for her southern potato salad, and cleaning fresh greens that she bought from the market. I’d just observe everything, and patiently wait for her to ask me to sample something. My favorite thing to sample was macaroni and cheese! I’d always make up an excuse for why I needed two bites to ” make sure” it was right… Yeah I was a greedy lil thang back then too! Especially when it came to mac and cheese!

Well some things never change. Even as an adult, I still love me some macaroni and cheese. If I had to pick my favorite recipe for macaroni and cheese, I probably couldn’t because there are way too many to choose from. That’s like asking me to choosebetween Morris Chestnut and Idris Elba.. Why can’t I just like both of them?!! DON’T MAKE ME CHOOSE PEOPLE!! However, I can tell you that I prefer southern & soul food mac and cheese over the others.

Since I already have a southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe uploaded, I will share my soul food version. I actually shared a similar recipe many years ago.However, since then I’ve added more cheese, and changed the steps. Take a look!

Now we all know I have a ton of macaroni and cheese recipes uploaded already, but I refer to this one as my soul food macaroni and cheese recipe for several reasons. Reason number one – this is the kind of baked macaroni and cheese you probably had growing up in asoul food household. It has cheese throughout it, and it is completely homemade! Reason number two – honey child I put my soul into this southern soul food macaroni and cheese!

Unlike a lot of southern mac and cheese recipes, I do not use any eggs nor Velveeta in this one. Why No Velveeta? Because it is not needed! The cheese sauce that I make ( from scratch, might I add!) is creamy and cheesy enough. Forget about the myth that Velveeta HAS to be used in soul food mac & cheese. It’s all lies I tell ya!! I’m not saying this because I dislike Velveeta ( because I’ve used it in other recipes!), I’m simply stating the truth.

The homemade cheese sauce that I make for this macaroni and cheese is made from three different cheeses. I use Havarti, Gouda, and…..CREAM CHEESE! The cream cheese is what make this cheese sauce so freaking creamy. I tell you, it is amazing!

Now as far as pasta, I use plain ol’ elbow macaroni pasta, nothing special. You can use any brand that you choose, just make sure that you don’t overcook the pasta ( don’t nobody want any mushy mac and cheese sweetie!).

Oh and before we get into the recipe, here is a tip: For best results buy the cheeses in block, instead of buying shredded cheese. I find that it melts better!

Watch myvideo tutorial

Soul Food Macaroni and Cheese Recipe (7)

Soul Food Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Soul Food Macaroni and Cheese made with 6 different cheese. No Velvetta no eggs required.

Watch Video Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Dinner

Cuisine Soul Food

Keyword Soul Food Macaroni and Cheese

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings 10 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Pour 8 cups of water into a pot, and sprinkle in 1 tsp of salt.

  • Bring the water to a boil, over high heat, then add in the elbow macaroni pasta.

  • Cook the pasta until it is al dente ( cooked but still firm), then drain the pasta and rise it under cool water.

  • Place a large sauce pan over medium heat, then toss in 4 tbsp of butter.

  • Melt the butter down completely, then sprinkle in 2 tbsp of flour.

  • Whisk the ingredients until they are well incorporated, then pour in the evaporated milk and half & half.

  • Whisk the ingredients, and continue to cook it over medium heat for about 3 minutes.

  • Reduce the heat to low, then add in the cream cheese, gouda, and havarti.

  • Stir the mixture until the cheese melts, and you have a nice creamy cheese sauce.

  • Sprinkle in the seasoning salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix until well incorporated.

  • Toss the macaroni pasta into a large pot, and pour in the cheese sauce.

  • Stir everything until it is well combined, then pour half of the macaroni and cheese mixture into a 9 x 13 bake dish.

  • Sprinkle some of the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and colby jack on top of the mac and cheese.

  • Next add the remaining macaroni and cheese into the bake dish, and top it off with the remaining cheese.

  • Bake the macaroni and cheese, in a preheated oven, on 350 F for 25-30 minutes.

  • Remove from the oven, and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

  • Serve and enjoy!

Video

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©2024 I Heart Recipes

Recipe by: I Heart Recipes

Soul Food Macaroni and Cheese Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What to add to mac and cheese to make it better? ›

8 Ways to Elevate Your Macaroni and Cheese Dinners
  1. Add extra cheese to your dish.
  2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n' cheese.
  3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
  4. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
  5. Add spices and fresh herbs to your dish.
May 21, 2022

Which cheese is best for mac and cheese? ›

What Is the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese? Sharp cheddar is the overwhelming popular choice, but for extra-creamy results, we think medium cheddar is even better. Other delicious options include Gruyère, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack.

Why is macaroni and cheese considered soul food? ›

Macaroni and Cheese For All

This is believed to be its introduction to the Black community, which at the time was largely impoverished. In these communities, this dish became a comfort food and the meal of choice for families trying to stretch their ingredients as far as they could go.

What not to do when making mac and cheese? ›

Here's what several experts say are the biggest mistakes when it comes to making macaroni and cheese at home and how to avoid making them.
  1. Using Only Cheddar cheese. ...
  2. Not Adding Spice and Seasoning with Salt. ...
  3. Choosing the Wrong Pasta. ...
  4. Overcooking. ...
  5. Skimping on the Toppings.
May 21, 2020

How do you keep mac and cheese creamy? ›

Cut back on cream

A lot of heavy cream can create too thick of a sauce that doesn't contain enough water content to keep everything saucy. Make sure to use primarily whole milk for your cheese sauce, and if you do use cream, use it sparingly.

What kind of milk is best for mac and cheese? ›

Milk: Keeps our cheese sauce super creamy. I use whole milk or reduced-fat milk. Mustard and spices: A combination of Dijon mustard, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt makes this macaroni and cheese extra delicious. Cheese: I use white cheddar and parmesan or pecorino cheese.

What makes mac and cheese taste so good? ›

Great mac n' cheese needs one or more cheeses that melt well, and one or more cheeses that bring the flavor. The best melters include monterey jack, fontina, baby swiss, asiago, provolone, mozzarella, and alpine-style. Cheeses for flavor: cheddar, havarti, smoked gouda, gorgonzola, feta and any other of your favorites.

Why add cream cheese to mac and cheese? ›

While the cream cheese adds an important lusciousness, it doesn't do the macaroni and cheese any favors when it comes to its flavor, so it's important to use the sharpest, tangiest Cheddar you can get your hands on. For perfectly coated noodles, make sure to cook the pasta in the sauce for a minute or two.

Why is mac and cheese a black thing? ›

Macaroni and cheese is a beloved holiday classic, and has deep roots in the African American cooking tradition. Macaroni and cheese is one of many popular holiday dishes that has ties to enslaved Black peoples who adapted their customs from West Africa and experiences in America to their cooking traditions.

What was the soul food in slavery? ›

Soul food originated during the time of slavery, when Black American/ African American enslaved people were given only leftovers and the undesirable parts of animals, such as ham hocks, hog jowls, and pigs' feet, ears, skin and intestines, which white plantation slave owners did not eat.

What state has the best southern food? ›

See which cities made the list and where they rank for best Southern cuisine.
  1. Atlanta, Georgia. bhofack2/Getty Images.
  2. Savannah, Georgia. bhofack2/Getty Images. ...
  3. Houston, Texas. bhofack2/Getty Images. ...
  4. Asheville, North Carolina. ...
  5. New Orleans, Louisiana. ...
  6. Charleston, South Carolina. ...
  7. Austin, Texas. ...
  8. Birmingham, Alabama. ...
Nov 8, 2022

What thickens mac and cheese? ›

You can thicken cheese sauce further by adding more flour or even using a couple of teaspoons of cornstarch. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch or flour with a cup of water. The cold water will create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the cheese sauce over medium heat, and let the sauce boil and thicken.

What keeps mac and cheese moist? ›

How To Keep Macaroni And Cheese From Drying Out
  • Add more cheese. That final layer of cheese on top isn't just for looks, it also helps keep the saucy noodles underneath from drying out during baking. ...
  • Use the right kind of cheese. ...
  • Add more sauce. ...
  • Cut back on cream. ...
  • Use less thickener.
Oct 26, 2022

What can I add to mac and cheese to make it tastier? ›

Try a combination of truffle oil, Oprah's favorite truffle salt, or truffle cheese for a surprisingly intense flavor. Add truffle oil to your mac and cheese before cooking, and add an extra drizzle for good measure. Truffle salt and cheese, on the other hand, can be cooked straight into your recipe.

What can I add to bland mac and cheese? ›

Try adding a little more salt first, because that might fix it. If the problem was the cheese you use doesn't have much flavor, then try adding some other flavors, such has mustard or hot sauce. The next time you make it, try to find some more strongly flavor cheese, or adding more cheese.

What adds Flavour to mac and cheese? ›

Cayenne, Nutmeg, Black Pepper, and Dry Mustard

Simply add ½ teaspoons of cayenne, black pepper, and dry mustard with a dash of nutmeg to a mixture of 1 egg and 1 cup (0.24 l) of heavy cream. Pour this spice mixture on top of your traditional mac and cheese recipe before baking.

How does Gordon Ramsay make the best mac and cheese? ›

Preparation
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine the pasta and milk. ...
  2. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and add the butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. ...
  3. Divide between serving bowls and top with the bread crumbs.
  4. Enjoy!
  5. All your favorite recipes, stored in one place.
May 4, 2023

How do you increase the flavor of cheese in mac and cheese? ›

Cayenne pepper is a classic seasoning that adds warmth and enhances the flavour of the cheese.

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