We’ve fallen head over heels for the Community Q Mac And Cheese Recipe, a Southern gem straight from Atlanta’s legendary BBQ scene. This dish isn’t just comfort food—it’s a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that elevates everyday meals with smoky undertones and a golden crust that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
In our kitchen adventures, we’ve perfected this crowd-pleaser, blending rich flavors that make it ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in. Join us as we share the secrets behind this irresistible recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home.
Ingredients
To craft our Community Q Mac And Cheese Recipe, a crowd-pleasing favorite from Atlanta’s BBQ scene, we gather these essential ingredients. We’ve organized them in the order they’re typically used, with prep notes for clarity and precision.
Pasta and Base
- 1 pound elbow macaroni: Cooked al dente for the perfect texture that absorbs flavors without becoming mushy.
- 4 quarts water: For boiling the pasta; add 1 tablespoon salt to enhance the base flavor.
Dairy Components
- 2 cups whole milk: Warmed to room temperature for smooth incorporation into the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Chilled to maintain richness and prevent curdling during mixing.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Softened for easy melting and roux formation.
Cheeses and Flavor Enhancers
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Provides a bold, tangy base that melts creamy for our signature cheesy undertones.
- 1 cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded: Adds the smoky essence inspired by Atlanta’s BBQ vibes; grate fresh for even melting.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Used for a nutty finish and golden crust; sprinkle atop before baking.
Seasonings and Binders
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Sifted to avoid lumps in the roux, ensuring a velvety sauce.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses that authentic BBQ smokiness; freshly ground for maximum aroma.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a subtle depth that complements the cheeses without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Start with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, adjusting based on your palate for balanced seasoning.
This selection ensures our Community Q Mac And Cheese Recipe delivers creamy, smoky flavors with a irresistible golden crust, making it a staple for any gathering.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our essential ingredients for the Community Q Mac And Cheese, we guide you through each step to craft this creamy, smoky delight that boasts a golden, irresistible crust.
Prep
Before we begin cooking, we prepare our components to ensure smooth execution. Start by shredding 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of smoked gouda cheese, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for easy melting—aim for even shreds to promote a velvety texture. Next, soften 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter by leaving it at room temperature, and measure out 2 tablespoons of sifted all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Warm 2 cups of whole milk in a microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot but not boiling, and have 1 cup of heavy cream chilled and ready. This prep sets the stage for a flavorful, cohesive dish that captures the essence of Atlanta’s BBQ-inspired comfort.
Cook the Pasta
We start by boiling the pasta to achieve that perfect al dente bite, which provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy sauce. In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat—add about 1 tablespoon of salt for enhanced flavor. Add 1 pound of elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until it’s firm to the bite. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process, preserving its tender yet chewy texture that soaks up the smoky cheese sauce beautifully.
Make the Cheese Sauce
With the pasta cooking, we create a rich, velvety cheese sauce that forms the heart of our Community Q Mac And Cheese, infusing it with deep, smoky notes. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, then whisk in 2 tablespoons of sifted all-purpose flour to form a smooth roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it bubbles and releases a nutty aroma. Gradually pour in 2 cups of warmed whole milk and 1 cup of chilled heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Reduce heat to low, then stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of shredded smoked gouda cheese, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and glossy, seasoning with 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and black pepper to taste. The sauce should emanate a warm, cheesy fragrance that promises a comforting, indulgent experience.
Assemble
Now we bring everything together for a layered masterpiece that ensures every bite of our Community Q Mac And Cheese is packed with flavor. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the hot cheese sauce, gently tossing to coat each piece evenly—this creates a luscious, unified mixture where the pasta absorbs the smoky essence. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly and sprinkling any extra shredded cheese on top for an extra gooey layer. For added texture, we optionally mix in a handful of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers at this stage, building anticipation for the golden crust that will develop during baking.
Bake
Finally, we bake our assembled dish to achieve that signature golden crust, transforming the Community Q Mac And Cheese into a bubbly, aromatic centerpiece. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the baking dish on the middle rack. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, with the cheese bubbling enticingly and filling your kitchen with an irresistible smoky scent. Let it rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to set, ensuring each serving delivers a perfect balance of creamy interior and crunchy exterior.
Required Equipment
To prepare our Community Q Mac And Cheese Recipe with ease, we gather the essential tools that ensure smooth execution from boiling pasta to baking a golden crust. These items align with the steps we’ve outlined, helping us achieve creamy, smoky flavors effortlessly.
Here’s a detailed list of the required equipment, organized by their sequence in the recipe process:
- Large Stock Pot (at least 6 quarts): We use this to boil the elbow macaroni in salted water, ensuring even cooking for that perfect al dente texture.
- Colander: Essential for draining the pasta after boiling, preventing excess water from diluting the cheese sauce.
- Medium Saucepan: We rely on this for creating the roux and whisking in the milk, cream, and cheeses to form a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Whisk: A must-have tool for blending the flour and butter into a roux and incorporating seasonings without lumps.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: We use this to stir the cheese sauce gently, preserving its creamy consistency as it thickens.
- Baking Dish (9×13 inches, oven-safe): This holds the pasta and sauce mixture, allowing it to bake into a bubbly, golden-brown finish.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for our recipe, so we use these to portion ingredients like milk, cream, and spices precisely.
- Cheese Grater (if cheeses aren’t pre-shredded): We recommend this for quickly shredding sharp cheddar and smoked gouda to enhance melting and flavor integration.
- Oven: Preheated to 375°F, it’s crucial for baking the assembled dish to achieve that irresistible smoky undertone and crust.
By having these tools ready, we streamline the process and elevate our Community Q Mac And Cheese Recipe to a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.
Make-Ahead Instructions
We understand that life gets busy, so preparing our Community Q Mac And Cheese Recipe ahead of time ensures you can enjoy its creamy, smoky goodness without last-minute rush. This method allows flavors to meld beautifully, making the dish even more irresistible when served.
Preparing Components in Advance
To keep things simple and efficient, we recommend prepping key elements separately:
- Cook the pasta: Boil 1 pound of elbow macaroni to al dente as outlined in the main instructions, then drain and toss with a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking. Let it cool completely before storing.
- Make the cheese sauce: Prepare the roux and sauce by melting 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, whisking in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and gradually adding 2 cups of warmed whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup shredded smoked gouda, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, along with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and black pepper to taste. Cool the sauce quickly to avoid separation.
- Combine and assemble: Mix the cooled pasta with the cheese sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Optional: Top with breadcrumbs for that signature golden crust we adore.
Storage Guidelines
For optimal freshness, store the assembled dish properly. Below is a quick reference table for storage times and methods to help you plan ahead:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 3 days | Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil to retain moisture and prevent the top from drying out. |
| Freezing | Up to 2 months | Wrap the dish in multiple layers of foil or use a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. |
Reheating and Baking
- From the refrigerator: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Remove the cover and bake the assembled mac and cheese for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and the top is gloriously golden and crispy.
- From the freezer: First, thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Then, bake as above, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure the center is piping hot and creamy.
- Pro tip: If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil midway through baking. This keeps the cheese sauce luxuriously smooth while achieving that crave-worthy, smoky edge.
Conclusion
We’ve shared the joys of the Community Q Mac And Cheese Recipe and we’re certain it’ll elevate your home cooking. It’s a simple way to create memorable moments with family and friends.
Give it a try and make it your own—it’s bound to become a cherished staple in our kitchens too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Community Q Mac And Cheese?
Community Q Mac And Cheese is a popular dish from Atlanta’s BBQ scene, featuring creamy, cheesy flavors with smoky undertones and a golden crust. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for gatherings or home meals, blending elbow macaroni with cheeses like sharp cheddar and smoked gouda for a staple that’s easy to love.
What are the key ingredients for Community Q Mac And Cheese?
The main ingredients include 1 pound of cooked elbow macaroni, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup shredded smoked gouda, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 2 cups warmed whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, and seasonings like smoked paprika and garlic powder. These create a creamy, smoky sauce with a perfect golden top.
How do I prepare Community Q Mac And Cheese?
Start by boiling macaroni al dente. Make a roux with butter and flour, add warmed milk and cream, then mix in cheeses and seasonings. Combine with pasta, transfer to a baking dish, and bake at 375°F until bubbly and golden, about 25-30 minutes. This yields a delicious, comforting dish in under an hour.
What equipment is needed for Community Q Mac And Cheese?
You’ll need a large stock pot for boiling pasta, a colander for draining, a medium saucepan for the cheese sauce, a whisk for blending, a wooden spoon for stirring, and a 9×13-inch baking dish for baking. Also, use measuring cups, spoons, and a cheese grater if shredding fresh cheese.
Can I make Community Q Mac And Cheese ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the pasta and cheese sauce separately, then combine and store in a baking dish. Refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake from refrigerated or thaw and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes for a creamy, crispy result.
How should I store and reheat Community Q Mac And Cheese?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake covered at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for smaller portions. Add a splash of milk if needed to maintain creaminess and prevent drying.