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New Orleans Baked Mac and Cheese

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Course Main, Side
Cuisine American, New Orleans, Southern

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound dry spaghetti
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • 4 cups half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 3 cups cheddar cheese (white or orange), divided

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 baking dish (or two 8x8-inch baking dishes).
  • Cook spaghetti in boiling water for 6 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  • Whisk in salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, and cayenne pepper. Gradually whisk in the half-and-half and heavy cream.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese until smooth.
  • Add cooked spaghetti to the cheese sauce and mix until fully coated.
  • Pour the cheesy spaghetti into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheeses.
  • Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. Let rest before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, use a blend of sharp cheddar and smoked mozzarella. You can also substitute elbow macaroni for spaghetti if preferred.
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