{"id":5388,"date":"2025-08-05T13:41:40","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T13:41:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/breckas.com\/?p=5388"},"modified":"2025-08-05T13:41:40","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T13:41:40","slug":"new-orleans-baked-mac-and-cheese","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/breckas.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/05\/new-orleans-baked-mac-and-cheese\/","title":{"rendered":"New Orleans Baked Mac and Cheese"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"193\" data-end=\"483\">There\u2019s nothing quite like the rich, soulful flavor of <strong data-start=\"248\" data-end=\"290\">New Orleans-style baked mac and cheese<\/strong>. This isn\u2019t your average boxed macaroni\u2014this is pure Southern comfort, loaded with bold spices, creamy cheese sauce, and a golden bubbly top that\u2019ll make any gathering feel like a celebration.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"485\" data-end=\"786\">Perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, this baked mac and cheese will quickly become a family favorite. We\u2019re switching things up with spaghetti instead of traditional elbow pasta\u2014giving the dish a unique, luscious texture that soaks up every drop of cheesy goodness.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"793\" data-end=\"823\">Why You\u2019ll Love This Recipe<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"825\" data-end=\"1168\">\n<li data-start=\"825\" data-end=\"914\">\n<p data-start=\"827\" data-end=\"914\"><strong data-start=\"827\" data-end=\"849\">New Orleans flavor<\/strong> \u2013 A hint of cayenne brings that Cajun kick without overpowering.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"915\" data-end=\"985\">\n<p data-start=\"917\" data-end=\"985\"><strong data-start=\"917\" data-end=\"933\">Ultra creamy<\/strong> \u2013 Thanks to a mix of half-and-half and heavy cream.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"986\" data-end=\"1089\">\n<p data-start=\"988\" data-end=\"1089\"><strong data-start=\"988\" data-end=\"1008\">Two-cheese magic<\/strong> \u2013 Melty mozzarella and sharp cheddar come together for the perfect cheesy blend.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1090\" data-end=\"1168\">\n<p data-start=\"1092\" data-end=\"1168\"><strong data-start=\"1092\" data-end=\"1120\">Comfort food at its best<\/strong> \u2013 Cheesy, golden, and satisfying in every bite.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"1175\" data-end=\"1189\">Ingredients<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"1191\" data-end=\"1580\">\n<li data-start=\"1191\" data-end=\"1218\">\n<p data-start=\"1193\" data-end=\"1218\"><strong data-start=\"1193\" data-end=\"1218\">1 pound dry spaghetti<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1219\" data-end=\"1254\">\n<p data-start=\"1221\" data-end=\"1254\"><strong data-start=\"1221\" data-end=\"1254\">4 tablespoons unsalted butter<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1255\" data-end=\"1292\">\n<p data-start=\"1257\" data-end=\"1292\"><strong data-start=\"1257\" data-end=\"1292\">4 tablespoons all-purpose flour<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1293\" data-end=\"1322\">\n<p data-start=\"1295\" data-end=\"1322\"><strong data-start=\"1295\" data-end=\"1322\">2 teaspoons kosher salt<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1323\" data-end=\"1360\">\n<p data-start=\"1325\" data-end=\"1360\"><strong data-start=\"1325\" data-end=\"1360\">2 teaspoons ground black pepper<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1361\" data-end=\"1395\">\n<p data-start=\"1363\" data-end=\"1395\"><strong data-start=\"1363\" data-end=\"1395\">1 teaspoon granulated garlic<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1396\" data-end=\"1434\">\n<p data-start=\"1398\" data-end=\"1434\"><strong data-start=\"1398\" data-end=\"1434\">\u00bd teaspoon ground cayenne pepper<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1435\" data-end=\"1461\">\n<p data-start=\"1437\" data-end=\"1461\"><strong data-start=\"1437\" data-end=\"1461\">4 cups half-and-half<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1462\" data-end=\"1485\">\n<p data-start=\"1464\" data-end=\"1485\"><strong data-start=\"1464\" data-end=\"1485\">\u00bd cup heavy cream<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1486\" data-end=\"1534\">\n<p data-start=\"1488\" data-end=\"1534\"><strong data-start=\"1488\" data-end=\"1525\">3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese<\/strong>, divided<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1535\" data-end=\"1580\">\n<p data-start=\"1537\" data-end=\"1580\"><strong data-start=\"1537\" data-end=\"1571\">3 cups shredded cheddar cheese<\/strong>, divided<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"1587\" data-end=\"1602\">Instructions<\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"1604\" data-end=\"1628\">1. Preheat &amp; Prepare<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1629\" data-end=\"1771\">Preheat your oven to <strong data-start=\"1650\" data-end=\"1667\">375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C)<\/strong>. Grease a <strong data-start=\"1678\" data-end=\"1703\">9\u00d713-inch baking dish<\/strong> (or two 8\u00d78-inch dishes) with non-stick spray or butter. Set aside.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1773\" data-end=\"1798\">2. Cook the Spaghetti<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1799\" data-end=\"1966\">In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti for <strong data-start=\"1862\" data-end=\"1875\">6 minutes<\/strong>. It should be just under al dente\u2014it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1968\" data-end=\"1996\">3. Make the Roux &amp; Sauce<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1997\" data-end=\"2145\">In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for <strong data-start=\"2109\" data-end=\"2123\">30 seconds<\/strong> to form a light roux.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2147\" data-end=\"2342\">Add the salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, and cayenne. Gradually whisk in the half-and-half and heavy cream. Continue stirring and bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce to a simmer.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2344\" data-end=\"2499\">Whisk in <strong data-start=\"2353\" data-end=\"2361\">half<\/strong> of the mozzarella and <strong data-start=\"2384\" data-end=\"2392\">half<\/strong> of the cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and completely melted. This will form a thick, rich cheese sauce.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2501\" data-end=\"2526\">4. Combine Everything<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2527\" data-end=\"2650\">Turn off the heat. Add the cooked spaghetti into the pot and toss gently to coat every strand with the creamy cheese sauce.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2652\" data-end=\"2738\">Transfer the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2740\" data-end=\"2769\">5. Add the Cheese Topping<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2770\" data-end=\"2850\">Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar evenly across the top of the dish.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2852\" data-end=\"2877\">6. Bake to Perfection<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2878\" data-end=\"2999\">Place in the oven and bake for <strong data-start=\"2909\" data-end=\"2929\">25 to 30 minutes<\/strong>, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly golden on top.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3001\" data-end=\"3020\">7. Rest &amp; Serve<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3021\" data-end=\"3158\">Let the baked mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"3165\" data-end=\"3184\">Tips for Success<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"3186\" data-end=\"3584\">\n<li data-start=\"3186\" data-end=\"3266\">\n<p data-start=\"3188\" data-end=\"3266\"><strong data-start=\"3188\" data-end=\"3216\">Don\u2019t overcook the pasta<\/strong>before baking\u2014al dente is key to avoid mushiness.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3267\" data-end=\"3363\">\n<p data-start=\"3269\" data-end=\"3363\"><strong data-start=\"3269\" data-end=\"3288\">Want more heat?<\/strong> Add a pinch more cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3364\" data-end=\"3479\">\n<p data-start=\"3366\" data-end=\"3479\"><strong data-start=\"3366\" data-end=\"3397\">Use freshly shredded cheese<\/strong> for the creamiest, smoothest melt\u2014pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3480\" data-end=\"3584\">\n<p data-start=\"3482\" data-end=\"3584\"><strong data-start=\"3482\" data-end=\"3502\">Add-ins welcome!<\/strong> Try mixing in crispy bacon, andouille sausage, or saut\u00e9ed onions for extra depth.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"3591\" data-end=\"3639\">What to Serve With New Orleans Mac and Cheese<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"3641\" data-end=\"3797\">\n<li data-start=\"3641\" data-end=\"3673\">\n<p data-start=\"3643\" data-end=\"3673\">Fried chicken or baked wings<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3674\" data-end=\"3711\">\n<p data-start=\"3676\" data-end=\"3711\">Collard greens or saut\u00e9ed spinach<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3712\" data-end=\"3749\">\n<p data-start=\"3714\" data-end=\"3749\">Buttery cornbread or garlic bread<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3750\" data-end=\"3797\">\n<p data-start=\"3752\" data-end=\"3797\">A light green salad to balance the richness<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"3804\" data-end=\"3827\">Make-Ahead &amp; Storage<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"3829\" data-end=\"4202\">\n<li data-start=\"3829\" data-end=\"3980\">\n<p data-start=\"3831\" data-end=\"3980\"><strong data-start=\"3831\" data-end=\"3846\">Make-ahead:<\/strong> Assemble the mac and cheese up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving (add 5\u201310 minutes to baking time).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3981\" data-end=\"4062\">\n<p data-start=\"3983\" data-end=\"4062\"><strong data-start=\"3983\" data-end=\"3997\">Leftovers:<\/strong> Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4063\" data-end=\"4202\">\n<p data-start=\"4065\" data-end=\"4202\"><strong data-start=\"4065\" data-end=\"4076\">Reheat:<\/strong> Warm in the oven at 350\u00b0F, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Microwave in 30-second intervals for individual servings.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"4209\" data-end=\"4226\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4228\" data-end=\"4541\">This <strong data-start=\"4233\" data-end=\"4269\">New Orleans Baked Mac and Cheese<\/strong> is the ultimate fusion of Southern tradition and bold flavor. Whether you\u2019re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, it delivers rich, creamy comfort with every bite. The spice, the sauce, the cheese\u2014it\u2019s all here. Serve it once, and watch it become a regular request.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s nothing quite like the rich, soulful flavor of New Orleans-style baked mac and cheese. This isn\u2019t your average boxed&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5389,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"title":"New Orleans Baked Mac and Cheese - Grandma Baking Recipes","description":"There\u2019s nothing quite like the rich, soulful flavor of New Orleans-style baked mac and cheese . This isn\u2019t your average boxed macaroni\u2014this is pure Southern com"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5388","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/breckas.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5388","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/breckas.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/breckas.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/breckas.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/breckas.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5388"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/breckas.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5388\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5390,"href":"https:\/\/breckas.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5388\/revisions\/5390"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/breckas.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5389"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/breckas.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5388"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/breckas.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5388"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/breckas.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5388"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}