Darius Cooks Mac And Cheese Recipe
Craving that ooey-gooey, cheesy perfection? My Darius Cooks Mac and Cheese Recipe delivers exactly that, rich, decadent cheese sauce coating tender elbow macaroni, then baked until bubbly and golden. Inspired by Darius Williams’ style of cooking, this recipe is unapologetically indulgent, with layers of creamy sauce and a top that’s irresistibly cheesy. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds.
Whether you’re making it as a holiday side, a weeknight treat, or a potluck show-stopper, this mac and cheese never disappoints. And the best part? It’s easy to make from scratch with simple ingredients.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Place a large stockpot on the stove and bring water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to season the pasta as it cooks. Drop the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. Remember, the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so avoid overcooking at this stage. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese
While the pasta is cooking, shred the Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese. Using freshly grated cheese makes a huge difference; it melts smoothly and gives your sauce a richer texture compared to store-bought pre-shredded cheese.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3–5 minutes.
Add in most of the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar (reserve a portion for topping). Sprinkle in the Creole Kick seasoning and stir until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Transfer the drained pasta into a large mixing bowl or directly into your baking dish. Pour the hot cheese sauce over the pasta, using a spatula to mix gently until every piece is coated in that luscious cheesy goodness.
Baking the Mac and Cheese
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping
Once your pasta is fully coated in the cheese sauce, spread it evenly in your baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top. This will create that irresistible golden, bubbly crust we all love.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. For an extra crispy top, you can broil it for the last 2–3 minutes, but keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese sauce to settle, making it easier to serve.
Serving Ideas:
- Serve as the star of a comfort-food dinner with garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
- Make it a holiday side dish alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or barbecue ribs.
- Top individual servings with crumbled bacon or a sprinkle of paprika for an extra pop of flavor.
Storage Instructions
How to Keep Mac and Cheese Fresh
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my kitchen), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
Freezing Mac and Cheese
For longer storage, allow the baked mac and cheese to cool completely. Transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven until heated through, adding a little milk if needed.
Tips for the Perfect Darius Cooks Mac and Cheese
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Keep it slightly firm before baking so it doesn’t turn mushy.
- Mix cheeses – While cheddar and Monterey Jack are a winning combo, you can experiment with Gouda, fontina, or mozzarella for different flavor notes.
- Season well – The Creole Kick adds a signature Darius-style flavor punch, so don’t skip it.
- Freshly grate your cheese – It melts better and gives the sauce that luxurious texture.
Darius Cooks Mac And Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
When making mac and cheese the Darius Cooks way, having the right tools makes the process smoother and ensures that silky, cheesy texture.- Large Stockpot – For boiling the pasta to al dente perfection.
- Medium Saucepan – To prepare the creamy cheese sauce.
- Whisk – Essential for blending the flour, butter, and milk into a smooth base.
- Cheese Grater – Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
- Baking Dish – A 9×13-inch dish works perfectly for even baking.
- Oven Mitts – Safety first, especially when transferring that bubbling, cheesy goodness from oven to table.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Darius Cook’s Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the mac and cheese a day in advance. Prepare the pasta and cheese sauce, then layer them in the baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to account for the chilled temperature.
2. Can I use different cheeses in this recipe?
Absolutely. While sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack give the best balance of flavor and creaminess, you can mix in cheeses like Gouda, fontina, mozzarella, or even smoked cheddar for a deeper flavor profile.
3. What is Creole Kick seasoning, and can I substitute it?
Creole Kick is Darius Cooks’ signature seasoning blend with a mix of savory spices and a touch of heat. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with your favorite Creole or Cajun seasoning blend.
4. How do I keep baked mac and cheese from drying out?
The key is to avoid overbaking and to make sure your cheese sauce is creamy before baking. You can also cover the dish loosely with foil for most of the baking time, then remove it at the end to brown the top.
5. Can I make this mac and cheese without baking it?
Yes! If you prefer a stovetop version, cook the pasta, prepare the cheese sauce, combine them, and serve immediately without the oven step. It will be extra creamy and just as delicious.
6. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, mac and cheese freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing, and reheat with a splash of milk to restore its creaminess.
Conclusion
This Darius Cooks Mac and Cheese Recipe is the kind of soul-warming, indulgent dish that makes everyone’s day better. The creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and that signature seasoned kick create a harmony of flavors you’ll crave again and again. Whether you serve it as a side dish at a holiday feast or as the main attraction for a cozy family dinner, this mac and cheese is bound to be a hit.
