Creole Spaghetti Mac & Cheese

Creole Comfort: New Orleans Baked Mac and Cheese. This New Orleans Baked Mac and Cheese offers a delightful twist on the classic comfort food, using spaghetti noodles for a unique texture and a rich, homemade cheese sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Topped with extra cheese and baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress at gatherings or elevate a simple weeknight dinner.

The first time I made this, I was amazed at how well the spaghetti held onto the rich cheese sauce. The combination of flavors and textures was a hit with everyone, and it’s now a go-to recipe for special occasions.

Essential Ingredients

• Spaghetti Noodles: Provides a unique texture and holds onto the cheese sauce beautifully. Cook them al dente to prevent mushiness.
• Unsalted Butter: Forms the base of the roux, adding richness and depth to the cheese sauce. Use a good quality butter for the best flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the cheese sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Ensure it’s whisked thoroughly into the melted butter.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, and Garlic Powder: These seasonings add depth and complexity to the cheese sauce. Adjust the cayenne pepper for desired spice level.
• Half-and-Half and Heavy Cream: These create a rich, creamy base for the cheese sauce. Using both ensures the perfect consistency.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides a bold, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Use a good quality, aged cheddar.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a gooey, melty texture and a mild flavor that complements the cheddar.

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Creating the New Orleans Baked Mac and Cheese

Pasta and Oven Preparation:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Cook the spaghetti noodles al dente according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Roux Creation:

In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 30 seconds, creating a smooth roux. Add the kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder, whisking to combine.

Cream Sauce Formation:

Slowly pour in the half-and-half and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

Cheese Incorporation:

Reduce the heat to low and add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove the saucepan from the heat.

Mac and Cheese Assembly:

Add the remaining 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the cooked spaghetti noodles. Toss gently to combine. Pour the cheese sauce over the spaghetti and mix thoroughly. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Baking Stage:

Top the mac and cheese with the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Resting and Serving:

Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.

My family loves adding cooked andouille sausage or crawfish to this dish for an extra New Orleans flair. We also sometimes increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce for a spicier kick.

Variations

Use different cheeses like fontina, Gruyère, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles. Add cooked andouille sausage, crawfish, or crabmeat for a New Orleans twist. Increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce for a spicier dish.

Make-Ahead and Storage

You can assemble the mac and cheese up to 24 hours before baking and refrigerate it. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat it with a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy texture.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this mac and cheese with red beans and rice, fried chicken, gumbo, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Using spaghetti creates a unique texture that’s different from traditional macaroni and cheese. Experiment with different cheeses to create your own unique flavor profiles. Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicier dish. You can assemble and refrigerate or freeze the mac and cheese ahead of time. Pair this dish with Creole or Southern dishes for a truly authentic meal.

This New Orleans Baked Mac and Cheese is a delightful and flavorful dish that brings a taste of the South to your kitchen. Its unique texture and rich, creamy sauce make it a perfect addition to any meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this Creole Spaghetti Mac & Cheese ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since you're starting with a cold dish.

→ What other cheese combinations work well in this recipe?

While sharp cheddar and mozzarella create a perfect balance of flavor and meltability, you can experiment with other cheeses. Try adding some Gruyère for nuttiness, Monterey Jack for extra creaminess, or a small amount of smoked gouda for depth. In New Orleans, some cooks also add a bit of Velveeta for ultra-smooth texture.

→ How spicy is this dish and can I adjust the heat level?

As written, this dish has a mild heat that most people (including kids) can enjoy. The ½ teaspoon of cayenne provides a gentle warmth rather than significant spice. To increase the heat, double the cayenne or add a few dashes of Louisiana-style hot sauce. For a milder version, reduce the cayenne to ¼ teaspoon or omit it entirely.

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

While spaghetti is traditional for authentic New Orleans-style mac and cheese, you can substitute other pasta shapes if preferred. Bucatini (thick hollow spaghetti) works particularly well, or you can use traditional elbow macaroni, shells, or cavatappi. Just adjust the pasta cooking time accordingly, always aiming for slightly underdone pasta before baking.

→ What sides pair well with this Creole Spaghetti Mac & Cheese?

This rich dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides to balance the meal. Consider serving it with a crisp green salad with vinaigrette, roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or traditional New Orleans sides like collard greens or stewed okra and tomatoes. For a true Creole feast, serve alongside fried chicken or blackened fish.