Skillet Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Layers of Love: Crafting the Perfect Skillet Baked Macaroni and Cheese

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Prep Time: 35 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes | Serves: 6

Welcome to a comforting culinary experience with our Soulful Skillet Baked Macaroni and Cheese. This dish, deeply rooted in soul food traditions, brings a special Nutmeg Cafe twist by emphasizing the art of layering. We use freshly shredded cheese for a superior melt and flavor, and the layering technique enhances every bite with rich, cheesy goodness. Baked in a cast iron skillet, this macaroni and cheese achieves a perfect balance of a crispy top and a creamy, flavorful interior, making it a beloved comfort food.

Ingredients

• Pasta and Cheese:

  • 1 lb (16oz box) elbow macaroni- ( I only used half the box - (8oz)

  • 8 oz block of Gouda cheese, freshly shredded

  • 8 oz block of sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

  • 8 oz block of Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded

• Roux Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp salted butter

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups whole milk

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

  • 1/2 tsp paprika (plus extra for layering and topping)

  • 1/2 tbsp Salt

  • 1/2 tbsp black pepper

• Topping:

  • Dried parsley flakes

  • Paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook Pasta: Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain.

3. Make Roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour for about 1-2 minutes until it turns light brown. Slowly whisk in milk, cooking until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Layering in Skillet:

   • Begin by placing a layer of the cooked macaroni at the bottom of the cast iron skillet.

   • Sprinkle a generous amount of the mixed freshly shredded Gouda, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses over the macaroni.

   • Season this layer with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika.

   • Repeat these layers (macaroni, cheese, seasonings) until the skillet is filled, finishing with a layer of cheese.

5. Add Roux: Pour the prepared roux evenly over the layered macaroni and cheese.

6. Final Topping: Sprinkle the top layer with more shredded cheese, a dash of paprika, and dried parsley flakes.

7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is crispy and golden.

8. Serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.

Our Soulful Skillet Baked Macaroni and Cheese is more than just a dish; it's a heartwarming experience. The layering technique ensures each forkful is packed with cheesy delight, perfectly complemented by the seasoned roux. This recipe is ideal for those seeking comfort in a meal and joy in the preparation process. It's a testament to the love and care that goes into home cooking. Enjoy this delightful creation, knowing that every layer adds to the rich tapestry of flavors that define soul food.