Neelys Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Neely's Macaroni and Cheese comes straight from the popular Food Network show Down Home with the Neely's. Hosts Pat and Gina Neely bring their unique take on classic southern recipes to each episode, making it not just a cooking show but an experience. Their macaroni and cheese is a fan favorite, combining the creamy goodness of cheese sauce and the tangy taste of spices for a dish that’s sure to be devoured. With this simple process you can make your own version of Neely's classic at home!
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Servings: 3 people
Calories: 553kcal
Equipment
- pot
- 3 Cups
- baking dish
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour/Bread flour
- 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper powder
- 1/2 tsp of ground dry mustard powder
- 3 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg freshly grated
- 2 cups buttermilk or whole milk warm
- 1/2 dash of Worcestershire sauce
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 lb cavatappi pasta cooked al dente
- 1/2 dash of the hot sauce
- 3 strips of Cooked bacon crumbled
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup potato chips crushed
Instructions
Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Gently turn your oven dial to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and let it heat up before you begin cooking.
Create a Cheese Sauce
- Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a medium pot over medium heat, add 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and whisk together for 2 minutes until the mixture becomes thick.
- Gradually stir in 4 cups of warm milk whilst continuously whisking until the mixture thickens.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dry mustard, a sprinkle of nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, some salt and pepper to taste, a few drops of hot sauce and a hint of Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another couple of minutes to reach the desired consistency.
Incorporate Cheese
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 3 cups of freshly grated cheddar cheese until it melts into the sauce.
Assemble the Dish
- Evenly spread the cooked cavatappi pasta over a 9×13-inch baking dish, pour the cheese sauce over top and mix gently.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of crushed potato chips, 5 slices of crumbled bacon and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the Oven
- Put it in to preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a creamier macaroni and cheese, use half & half instead of milk.
- To make the dish even more indulgent, add 1/2 cup heavy cream while making the cheese sauce.
- Add finely chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli to the macaroni and cheese for added nutrition.
- For an extra crunchy topping, add 1/2 cup of panko bread crumbs to the top of the dish before baking.
- If you prefer a more cheesy macaroni and cheese, double the amount of cheese in the sauce.