CREOLE BAKED MAC AND CHEESE -

CREOLE BAKED MAC AND CHEESE

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual night in, this Creole Baked Mac and Cheese is a dish that is perfect for sharing and savoring. This Mac and Cheese features a rich, creamy cheese sauce with a spicy kick, paired with perfectly cooked pasta. Every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures.

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Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Creole

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 35

Servings: 8 SERVINGS

Calories: 202kcal

Author: Evelyn Savinon ( A Simple Tweak)

Ingredients

▢ 1 (16 oz. box) elbow macaroni pasta
▢ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
▢ 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
▢ 2 cups whole milk
▢ 1 tablespoon creole seasoning
▢ 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese block cheese, grated
▢ 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese block cheese, grated
▢ ½ cup mozzarella cheese optional
▢ Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

HOW TO MAKE CREOLE BAKED MAC & CHEESE

The first step is to cook the pasta. Cook macaroni according to the package directions. I cooked mine for 7 to 8 min. Gluten-free pasta will also work as long as you don’t overcook it.
As the pasta is cooking, smoothly melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and continue whisking in the flour making sure the mixture is smooth and continue cooking for a minute to eliminate any floury taste.
Another essential step is to warm up the milk: It’s best to warm the milk. Cold liquid interrupts the cooking process. Milk that has been heated has a more flavorful taste compared to milk that is cold.
Slowly add the warm milk a little at a time, and keep a constant stirring. Make sure there aren’t any clumps in the mix and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens up.
Simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in grated cheeses (saving some for topping). Stir until smooth and creamy.
Once the pasta is done, drain it (Do not rinse.) Transfer it to a large baking dish. Add creamy cheesy sauce and stir to incorporate evenly.
Then, add creole seasonings and stir to combine.
Top with the remaining cheese and bake at 375F°/190℃ for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Don’t cover baked mac and cheese as it would steam the inside and prevent it from achieving that slightly crusty golden bubbly top.

Notes

Can the spiciness level of the dish be adjusted to personal preference?

One of the reasons I like to make my own seasoning blends is to be able to adjust the amount of spiciness. Since cayenne pepper is one of the primary sources of heat in Creole cuisine, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in your homemade seasoning mix. Start with a smaller amount, taste, and gradually add more if needed until you reach your desired level of spiciness.
Balance with Milk and Cheese: Increase the amount of milk and cheese in the sauce. The dairy elements can help mellow the spiciness and create a creamier texture.
Offer Hot Sauce on the Side: For those who enjoy spice, provide hot sauce on the side so that individuals can adjust the heat level to their liking.
Serve with Cooling Sides: Pair your Creole Baked Mac and Cheese with cooling side dishes like coleslaw, cucumber salad, or a dollop of sour cream or yogurt. These sides can help counterbalance the spiciness.

By making these adjustments, you can still savor the delicious flavors of Creole Baked Mac and Cheese while dialing down the spiciness to suit your taste preferences and those of your guests.

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