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African American History Of Macaroni And Cheese

African American Baked Mac And Cheese

What is the Black history of macaroni and cheese? 
Macaroni and cheese is among the many soul food dishes that have become American favorites. This delicious dish has a rich and ancient history. It is prepared with a creamy homemade cheese sauce, enhanced by flavorful soul food seasonings and spices. It's a Southern comfort food staple, made the traditional Black American way!
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 38 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Soul Food, Southern Food
Servings: 6
Calories: 522kcal
Author: Shaunda Necole • The Soul Food Pot®

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Whisk
  • Colander
  • 8-inch cast iron skillet or baking dish

Ingredients

  • 3 cups water
  • 4 ¼ cups milk divided – 1 ¼ cups & 3 cups
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided – 1 tablespoon & 3 tablespoons
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (pre-shredded cheese or grated cheese)
  • 1 cup Colby-jack cheese (pre-shredded cheese or grated cheese)
  • 8 oz. macaroni noodles uncooked
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ tablespoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  • Fill a large pot with 3 cups of milk, 3 cups of water, and 1 tablespoon of butter, and set the pot on the stove to boil over medium-high heat.
  • Once the liquid begins to boil, add the macaroni and cook according to the package directions, stirring occasionally to ensure the macaroni does not clump and stick.
  • When the noodles are done, remove the pot from the stove, turn off the heat, drain the macaroni in a colander, and set it aside.
  • Add the 3 tablespoons of butter to the empty pot and set it back on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
  • When the butter has melted and coated in the pot, add the flour (which replaces eggs), 1 ¼ cups of milk, and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried mustard, and paprika) and whisk until smooth.
  • Allow the ingredients to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
  • Then, stir in the cheese.
  • Reduce the heat to low and leave the cheese sauce on the stove to cook for 5-10 minutes or until the cheeses are blended.
  • Add the cooked pasta and heavy cream to the pot, stirring the mixture to blend evenly.
  • Turn off the stove, remove the pot, and transfer the macaroni and cheese to a cast iron skillet or baking pan.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until the mac and cheese is golden and bubbly.
  • Serve this Black folks’ mac and cheese recipe right away, and enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 522kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 92mg | Sodium: 541mg | Potassium: 386mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1094IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 505mg | Iron: 1mg
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