New Orleans Baked Mac and Cheese

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New Orleans Baked Mac and Cheese: A Comfort Food Classic with a Creole Twist

Few dishes scream comfort like a creamy, cheesy macaroni bake. But when you take the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans and combine them with mac and cheese, you get a dish that’s irresistible, hearty, and bursting with flavor. This New Orleans Baked Mac and Cheese elevates the classic comfort food with a hint of Creole seasoning, a crunchy topping, and a blend of cheeses that makes every bite creamy and decadent.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick)

Cheese Blend:

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère or Fontina cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Optional Add-ins (for a true New Orleans flavor):

• 1/2 cup cooked andouille sausage, sliced
• 1/2 cup sautéed onions and bell peppers
• 1/4 teaspoon Creole seasoning

Step-by-Step Method

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente (slightly firm, as it will continue cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Whisk in the flour to make a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes until it’s lightly golden.
3. Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5–6 minutes.
5. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
6. Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups of the cheese blend (reserve 1 cup for topping). Mix until smooth and creamy.

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