We’ve got a soft spot for mac and cheese as the ultimate comfort food, and our Carolina Kitchen version amps up the classic with bold Southern flair. Hailing from the heart of the Carolinas, this recipe blends creamy cheeses with smoky undertones that echo barbecue traditions, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
What sets our take apart is its easy twist on tradition, perfect for weeknights or holidays. We’ll guide you through simple steps to create a dish that’s rich in flavor and nostalgia, so you can bring a taste of the South to your table.
Ingredients
To bring our Carolina Kitchen Mac and Cheese to life, we start with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that capture the creamy texture and smoky Southern essence we’ve highlighted earlier. We’ll list them here in the order they’re typically used, with prep notes for precision.
- Elbow macaroni: 1 pound, uncooked – This forms the hearty base; boil until al dente for the perfect chew.
- Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons, softened – Used for creating a rich roux; melt it first to build flavor.
- All-purpose flour: ¼ cup – Acts as a thickener; whisk it into the butter for a smooth sauce foundation.
- Whole milk: 2 cups – Provides creamy consistency; warm it slightly before adding for even blending.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded – Essential for that tangy, melty core; opt for aged varieties to enhance the Southern twist.
- Smoked Gouda cheese: 1 cup, shredded – Infuses the smoky barbecue notes we love; grate it fresh for better melt.
- Heavy cream: ½ cup – Adds extra richness to the sauce; incorporate it gradually for a velvety finish.
- Dijon mustard: 1 tablespoon – Brings a subtle kick to balance the cheeses; stir it in for depth without overpowering.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon, preferably smoked – Highlights the Carolina flair; sprinkle for color and a hint of heat.
- Salt and black pepper: 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper, to taste – Season the dish; adjust based on cheese saltiness for optimal flavor.
These ingredients ensure our recipe delivers the comforting, barbecue-inspired mac and cheese you can prepare effortlessly at home.
Equipment Needed
Before we prepare our flavorful Carolina Kitchen Mac and Cheese, let’s gather the essential tools that make the process smooth and efficient. Having the right equipment ensures we achieve that perfect creamy texture and smoky essence without any hitches.
We recommend the following items, organized by their role in the recipe:
- Large Pot: A 4- to 6-quart pot for boiling the uncooked elbow macaroni to al dente perfection.
- Saucepan: A medium-sized 2- to 3-quart saucepan for creating the rich cheese sauce with unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and whole milk.
- Whisk: A sturdy wire whisk to blend the roux smoothly and incorporate ingredients like sharp cheddar cheese and smoked Gouda cheese.
- Colander: For draining the cooked macaroni quickly and efficiently.
- Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch oven-safe dish if we’re baking the mac and cheese for a crispy top, allowing the Dijon mustard and paprika flavors to meld beautifully.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate sets for precise measurements of ingredients such as heavy cream, salt, and black pepper.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Heat-resistant tools for stirring the sauce and mixing everything together without scratching our cookware.
- Oven: A standard kitchen oven preheated to 350°F for baking, if the recipe calls for it to enhance those barbecue-inspired smoky notes.
With these tools at the ready, we’re set to transition seamlessly into the preparation steps.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our essential ingredients and tools, we guide you through the straightforward steps to prepare our Carolina Kitchen Mac and Cheese, ensuring a creamy texture with smoky barbecue-inspired flavors.
Prep the Ingredients
Before we start cooking, let’s organize our ingredients for efficiency. Begin by measuring 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni and set it aside in a bowl. Grate 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of smoked Gouda cheese using a box grater for smooth melting—aim for fine shreds to enhance the smoky essence that defines this dish. In a separate bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of whole milk, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. This preparation ensures our flavors blend seamlessly, capturing the comforting Southern twist we’re known for.
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt to season it properly. Add the 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente—tender but with a slight bite that holds up well in the cheese sauce. Once done, drain the pasta using a colander and rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking process, preserving its perfect texture for our Carolina Kitchen Mac and Cheese.
Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until it bubbles slightly, releasing a rich, nutty aroma. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to form a roux, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden and smooth. Gradually pour in 2 cups of whole milk and 1/2 cup of heavy cream while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps, allowing the mixture to thicken into a velvety base. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese and smoked Gouda cheese, along with 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes glossy and irresistibly creamy, with the smoked Gouda imparting a subtle, barbecue-like depth that elevates our mac and cheese.
Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F while we combine the elements. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooked elbow macaroni with the warm cheese sauce until every noodle is evenly coated, creating a luscious, golden mixture that promises mouthwatering comfort. Transfer this to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for optimal baking. For added texture, sprinkle an extra 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese on top, ensuring a crispy, bubbly crust that enhances the overall smoky flavors of our Carolina Kitchen Mac and Cheese.
Bake the Mac and Cheese
Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges bubble enticingly with a cheesy, aromatic allure. To achieve that signature Southern crispiness, broil on high for the final 1-2 minutes—but watch closely to prevent burning. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to settle into a hearty, satisfying dish ready for serving.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Carolina Kitchen Mac And Cheese is its flexibility for busy schedules—we can prepare it in advance without sacrificing that creamy, smoky flavor profile. This approach allows the cheeses to meld even more, enhancing the comforting Southern essence. Below, we outline the steps to make and store this dish effectively, ensuring it’s ready to bake or reheat when you are.
Preparing in Advance
To get ahead, follow these steps after assembling the dish but before baking:
- Cook the pasta and sauce separately: First, boil the elbow macaroni until just al dente as described in our preparation section. In a separate saucepan, create the cheese sauce by melting the unsalted butter, whisking in the all-purpose flour, and gradually adding whole milk, heavy cream, sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce during storage.
- Assemble the dish: Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce in your baking dish. Do not bake it yet. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
- Cool and refrigerate: Allow the assembled mac and cheese to cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, refrigerate it for up to 2 days. The smoky notes from the Gouda will intensify, making each bite even more evocative of barbecue traditions.
Storage Tips
For longer-term planning, we recommend freezing portions to preserve quality. Here’s a quick breakdown of storage options in the table below:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 2 days | Ideal for short-term use; reheat directly from the fridge for best results. |
| Freezing | Up to 2 months | Use freezer-safe containers; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to avoid a watery texture. |
Reheating Guidelines
When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat with care to keep the dish bubbly and golden:
- From the refrigerator: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the covering and bake the assembled dish for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the top is crispy. The aromas of sharp cheddar and smoked Gouda will fill your kitchen, transporting you straight to the Carolinas.
- From the freezer: Thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight. Then, follow the same baking instructions as above, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if needed. Stir gently halfway through to ensure even heating, preserving that signature creamy consistency.
By planning ahead with these methods, we ensure our Carolina Kitchen Mac And Cheese remains a hassle-free, flavorful staple for any gathering.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Carolina Kitchen Mac and Cheese recipe as it’s more than just a dish—it’s a gateway to Southern warmth and flavor.
It brings people together and adds a smoky twist that elevates any meal.
Try it out and make it your own; we’re confident it’ll become a staple in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carolina Kitchen Mac and Cheese?
Carolina Kitchen Mac and Cheese is a comforting twist on the classic dish, blending creamy cheese with smoky flavors inspired by Southern barbecue traditions. It’s perfect for family gatherings or casual meals, featuring a rich mix of sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, and spices that evoke the taste of the Carolinas.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You’ll need uncooked elbow macaroni, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, whole milk, sharp cheddar cheese, smoked Gouda cheese, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. These high-quality ingredients create a creamy, smoky mac and cheese that’s easy to prepare at home.
What equipment is required to make Carolina Kitchen Mac and Cheese?
Essential tools include a large pot for boiling pasta, a medium saucepan for the cheese sauce, a whisk for blending, a colander for draining, a baking dish for oven-baking, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and a wooden spoon or spatula for mixing. Preheat your oven to 350°F for best results.
How do I prepare Carolina Kitchen Mac and Cheese?
Start by cooking elbow macaroni until al dente. Make a cheese sauce by melting butter, adding flour, milk, cream, cheeses, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix the pasta with the sauce, transfer to a baking dish, and bake at 350°F until bubbly and golden. Broil briefly for a crispy top. Total time is about 45-60 minutes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the pasta and cheese sauce separately, then assemble and refrigerate for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to three months. This allows for easy baking or reheating later, maintaining the creamy texture and flavors.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy and prevent drying out.