Georgia Macaroni with American Cheese
Indulge in the creamy decadence of Georgia Macaroni with American Cheese, the ultimate comfort food that combines Southern hospitality with classic mac & cheese tradition. This rich and velvety dish features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a luxurious sauce made with sharp American cheese and a hint of cheddar for depth. The blend of whole milk and heavy cream creates an irresistibly smooth base, while a touch of paprika adds a pop of color and optional smoky flair. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy homemade recipe is perfect as a hearty main course or a crowd-pleasing side dish. Serve it fresh and hot, and watch as every bite delivers a warm, cheesy embrace!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 12 ounces sharp American cheese (sliced or shredded)
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture forms a smooth roux.
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to ensure no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Lower the heat and gradually add the American cheese and cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently fold to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a serving dish or casserole dish. If desired, sprinkle with paprika for a touch of color and extra flavor.
Serve immediately as a comforting main dish or side, and enjoy your Georgia Macaroni with American Cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
740 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 46.2 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.1 g | 135% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 142 mg | 47% | |
| Sodium | 1367 mg | 59% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 52.0 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.1 g | ||
| Protein | 29.9 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 736 mg | 57% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 295 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
