new orleans mac and cheese recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
new orleans mac and cheese recipe
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The Best new orleans mac and cheese recipe

I have been making this New Orleans mac and cheese recipe for years and it is always a hit in my house. My kids ask for it almost every week and I love how the flavors remind me of a trip we took to New Orleans a while back. The blend of cheeses and a little kick of spice makes it stand out from regular mac and cheese. It is a great dish for family dinners or potlucks because it is filling and everyone seems to enjoy it. Plus it has protein from the cheese and eggs which helps make it a more balanced meal than the boxed kind.

New Orleans Mac and Cheese

New Orleans Mac and Cheese

4.5 from 552 votes

This creamy and cheesy mac and cheese has a New Orleans twist with a blend of sharp cheddar, monterey jack, and a touch of creole seasoning. It is baked until golden and bubbly for a comforting side dish or main meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

1 pound elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon salt for pasta water

For the Cheese Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
1 teaspoon creole seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 large eggs, beaten

For the Topping

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4Slowly whisk in the whole milk and evaporated milk. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
5Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using.
6Add the 2 cups shredded cheddar, 1 cup monterey jack, and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and smooth.
7In a small bowl, whisk the beaten eggs. Slowly add about 1 cup of the warm cheese sauce into the eggs while whisking constantly to temper them. Then pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cheese sauce and stir well.
8Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large bowl. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
9Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the 2 tablespoons melted butter and 1/4 cup shredded cheddar. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
10Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbly. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Medium saucepan
Whisk
9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 13g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 680mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper. For a milder version, omit the cayenne altogether.

Watch Video Of How New Orleans Mac and Cheese Works

This New Orleans mac and cheese is a family favorite that always gets compliments at gatherings. It is creamy, cheesy, and has just enough spice to make it interesting without being too much. I hope you give it a try for your next dinner or holiday meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About New Orleans Mac and Cheese

1. Can I make this New Orleans mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes you can assemble the dish up to the point of baking and then cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, add about 10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

2. What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar and monterey jack are great for flavor and meltability. You can also use colby jack or a mild cheddar if you prefer. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese as it often has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.

3. Is this recipe very spicy?

It has a mild kick from the creole seasoning and optional cayenne pepper. If you are sensitive to spice, you can leave out the cayenne and use a mild creole seasoning. The flavor is more savory and smoky than hot.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Elbow macaroni is traditional but you can use shells, cavatappi, or penne. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it does not get mushy when baked.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or warm it in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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