Patti LaBelle’s Macaroni and Cheese: A Soulful Comfort Food Delight

Indulge in a Rich and Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Inspired by the Legendary Patti LaBelle

If you’re in the mood for some soul-warming comfort food, Patti LaBelle’s Macaroni and Cheese is an excellent choice. This recipe pays homage to the legendary singer’s famous mac and cheese, known for its rich, creamy, and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving some classic comfort food, this dish will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Ingredients:

For the Macaroni and Cheese:

• 16 ounces elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Topping:

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Macaroni:

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

1. In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden brown, creating a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, making sure there are no lumps.
4. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low and add the sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Velveeta cheese. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.

4. Combine the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce, tossing until the macaroni is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

5. Prepare the Topping:

1. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, melted butter, and paprika.

6. Assemble and Bake:

1. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
2. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

7. Bake to Perfection:

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the macaroni and cheese is hot and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
2. If you prefer a crispier top, you can broil the macaroni and cheese for the last 1-2 minutes, but be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Once out of the oven, let the macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy the soulful delight of Patti LaBelle’s Macaroni and Cheese!

Tips:

• Feel free to customize the cheese blend to your liking. You can experiment with different types of cheddar, Gruyère, or even a bit of Parmesan for extra flavor.
• To make this dish extra special, you can add diced cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or even some diced jalapeños for a kick of heat.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave. If the macaroni and cheese becomes too thick upon reheating, simply add a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency.

Variations:

• For a more rustic twist, consider using cavatappi or penne pasta instead of elbow macaroni.
• To make it a complete meal, add some diced cooked ham, grilled chicken, or sautéed spinach to the macaroni and cheese before baking.

Cook’s Note:

Patti LaBelle’s Macaroni and Cheese is the epitome of classic comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and oozing with cheesy goodness. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or as the star of your meal, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. So channel your inner soul chef and savor every mouthwatering bite!