Baked Mac and Cheese
This baked mac and cheese recipe is creamy, comforting, and full of flavor thanks to Laila Ali Spice Blends. Made with gluten-free flour and real ingredients, it’s a healthier twist on a soul food favorite.
Baked Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a staple across soul food and comfort food traditions—and this version delivers everything you love about it. Creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, it’s comfort in a dish. Made with real ingredients and Laila Ali Spice Blends, this recipe gives you that classic flavor in a way you can feel good about. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this baked mac and cheese always hits the spot.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup cassava flour or other gluten-free flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon SOULFUL SEASONING SALT
- 1 tablespoon SASSY SEASONING BLEND
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Sprinkle of SPICY PEPPER BLEND (optional)
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided (2 cups for sauce, 1 cup for topping)
- 1 cup Jack cheese (Monterey or Pepper Jack)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly butter an 8-by-11-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the sea salt. Stir in the macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cassava flour (or other gluten-free flour) and stir continuously with a wooden spoon until smooth and golden, about 3–5 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Stir in the Soulful Seasoning Salt, Sassy Seasoning Blend, paprika, nutmeg (if using), and a sprinkle of Spicy Pepper Blend (optional). Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring often, until it thickens slightly.
- Lower the heat and stir in 2 cups of the sharp cheddar and the Jack cheese. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni in the pot. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of sharp cheddar evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown in spots.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of traditional elbow macaroni.
- Want an extra kick? Use Pepper Jack cheese and a bit more Spicy Pepper Blend.
- Letting it rest after baking helps the sauce settle and improves the texture when serving.
- This dish can be made ahead—assemble it earlier in the day, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6–8
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Posted in Recipes and tagged Comfort Food, Lunch, Sassy Seasoning Blend, Soulful Seasoning Salt, Spicy Pepper Blend
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Hi! I'm Laila Ali.
As a former undefeated world champion athlete and cookbook author, I'm passionate about healthy eating and excited to share a collection of delicious recipes using my organic Spice Blends. Let's cook up a knockout meal together!"
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