New Orleans Baked Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection, this New Orleans-style mac and cheese is a Southern comfort food classic. Made with spaghetti instead of traditional macaroni and loaded with rich cheese, every bite is irresistibly gooey and delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups half-and-half
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the spaghetti until just al dente, then drain.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually add the half-and-half and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth.
- Stir in the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and paprika.
- Add half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Mix the cooked spaghetti into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Add Cajun seasoning for authentic New Orleans flavor.
- Mix in cooked shrimp, crab, or smoked sausage for a Louisiana-inspired twist.
- Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for an extra crispy cheese topping.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Rich, creamy, and packed with cheesy Southern goodness!