The mac and cheese recipe of Darius Cooks is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by many for decades. It is a creamy, rich, and cheesy dish that will make your mouth water just thinking about it.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, add flour and whisk together until combined to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Let it cook for about 5 minutes or until thickened.
Add the sour cream and seasonings (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt) and stir well.
Gradually add the cubed cheese and stir until completely melted.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until fully coated.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a baking dish, add half of the mac and cheese mixture, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat with the remaining mac and cheese and cheddar.
Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Darius Cooks Mac and Cheese!
Notes
Make sure to cook the macaroni al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Use a combination of cheeses for the best flavor and texture.
For a smokier taste, you can use smoked cheddar cheese or add some cooked and crumbled bacon to the dish before baking.
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, assemble it in the baking dish but don’t bake it. Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
This mac and cheese recipe can also be made on the stovetop by skipping step 7 and serving immediately after adding the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce.