New Orleans Baked Mac and Cheese

Here’s a rich, creamy, and flavorful New Orleans–style baked mac and cheese recipe. This Southern classic is all about bold cheese flavor, a golden crust, and a perfectly seasoned, custardy base.

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🧀 New Orleans Baked Mac and Cheese

⭐ What Makes It “New Orleans”?

New Orleans versions of mac and cheese are usually extra creamy, heavily seasoned (think garlic powder, Creole seasoning), and often use a custard base with eggs and evaporated milk. It’s Southern comfort food with soul.

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📝 Ingredients:

Pasta:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)

• Salt (for boiling water)

Cheese Sauce Base:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp Creole seasoning (like Tony Chachere’s)

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional, for kick)

Cheese Blend (total about 4–5 cups shredded):

• 2 cups sharp cheddar

• 1 cup mozzarella

• 1 cup Monterey Jack or pepper jack

• 1/2 cup parmesan

• Optional: 1/2 cup smoked gouda for depth

Topping:

• Extra cheese for top (cheddar + parm)

• 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers (optional)

• 1 tbsp melted butter

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👩🏽‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Boil in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the roux:

   • In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.

   • Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.

   • Gradually whisk in milk and evaporated milk until smooth.

   • Cook until it thickens slightly (about 3–4 minutes), then remove from heat.

3. Season and enrich:

   • In a small bowl, whisk the eggs. Slowly stir in a few spoonfuls of the hot milk mixture to temper.

   • Add eggs back into the sauce along with all spices.

   • Stir in about 3 cups of the shredded cheeses until melted and smooth.

4. Combine:

   • Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce and mix to coat evenly.

   • Pour half of the mac into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Add a layer of the remaining shredded cheese.

   • Pour in the rest of the mac and top with more cheese and optional breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.

5. Bake:

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

   • For extra browning, broil for the last 2–3 minutes—watch closely!

6. Rest and serve:

   • Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving to set the custard.

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🔥 Tips:

• Want it extra creamy? Add more evaporated milk or a splash of heavy cream.

• Add a touch of hot sauce or Creole mustard for a punch.

• For a meatier twist, stir in andouille sausage, crab meat, or shrimp.