Patti Labelle’s Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese Recipe 🧀
Overview:
Patti Labelle, the queen of soulful cooking, unveils her legendary Macaroni and Cheese recipe, straight from the kitchen of “Good Morning America.” This divine dish is an epitome of comfort food, boasting a velvety blend of cheeses, enriched with buttery goodness and a hint of seasoning salt and pepper. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cook time of 35 minutes, this recipe serves 8 hungry souls and promises to be a star on your dining table. Get ready to indulge in the creamy, cheesy perfection that’ll leave you craving for more!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound macaroni
- 1/2 cup butter (plus 1 tablespoon for topping)
- 8 ounces muenster cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s ready to bake your macaroni and cheese to perfection.
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Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly butter a deep 2 1/2 quart baking dish, ensuring that every corner is coated with buttery goodness to prevent sticking.
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Boil Macaroni: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rapid boil. Add the macaroni along with 1 tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking. Cook for approximately 7 minutes or until the macaroni is somewhat tender.
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Drain Macaroni: Once the macaroni is cooked to perfection, drain it well and return it to the pot. This step ensures the macaroni is ready to absorb all the cheesy goodness.
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Melt Butter: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt 8 tablespoons of butter until it’s golden and aromatic, ready to infuse its rich flavor into the macaroni.
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Combine Cheeses: In a large bowl, combine all of the shredded cheeses, creating a symphony of flavors that will elevate your macaroni and cheese to new heights of deliciousness.
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Mix Ingredients: To the drained macaroni, add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese blend, along with the half-and-half, cubed Velveeta cheese, eggs, seasoning salt, and fresh ground pepper. Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
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Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the macaroni mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly to ensure every bite is packed with cheesy goodness. Top it off with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese for that extra indulgence.
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Dot with Butter: Dot the top of the macaroni and cheese with the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, adding a final touch of richness that will melt into golden perfection as it bakes.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and irresistible.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the macaroni and cheese from the oven and serve it piping hot, savoring each creamy, cheesy bite. This recipe serves 8, ensuring there’s plenty to go around for family and friends.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 631.8
- Fat: 38.8g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Cholesterol: 153.5mg
- Sodium: 749.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 48.3g
- Fiber: 1.8g
- Sugar: 4.1g
- Protein: 22.4g
Conclusion:
Patti Labelle’s Macaroni and Cheese isn’t just a dish; it’s a culinary masterpiece that embodies the essence of comfort and indulgence. With its creamy texture, gooey cheese blend, and perfect balance of flavors, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite for years to come. Whether you’re hosting a special gathering or simply craving some soul-satisfying goodness, Patti Labelle’s Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate choice for cheese lovers everywhere.