Soul Food Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Soul food is the traditional cuisine of the African-Americans. It involves the use of variety of ingredients such as meat, vegetables, breads and beverages. Macaroni and cheese are popular as 'American comfort food'. Macaroni is a form of dry pasta; cheese is a rich source of calcium as well as protein and phosphorus. Check out the following delightful soul food macaroni and cheese recipes.

Recipe #1

Ingredients:

• 1 box elbow macaroni, about 16 oz
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 - 1/2 lb shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 stick butter, unsalted and softened
• Pepper to taste
• A pinch of salt

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Boil and cook macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain macaroni and place in the casserole plate. Add 1 lb shredded cheddar cheese, softened butter, milk, salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients. Add the remaining cheddar cheese over the top layer. Bake for nearly 1 hour until the top layer turns golden brown.

Recipe #2

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded Muenster or Gouda cheese
• 1/2 cup (2 oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (8 oz) Velveeta, cut into small cubes
• 2 cups half-half
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 8 tbsp (1 stick) plus 1 tbsp butter
• 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp seasoned salt

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Boil a large pot of salted water over high heat and add macaroni and oil to it. Allow to cook for about 7 minutes, until macaroni becomes tender. Drain macaroni.

Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan and add macaroni to it. In another bowl, mix together mild and sharp cheddar, Muenster and Monterey Jack cheese. Add half-half, cubed Velveeta, shredded cheese and eggs to the macaroni. Sprinkle salt and pepper for seasoning. Transfer it to a lightly buttered casserole. Sprinkle it with remaining shredded cheese and 1 tablespoon butter. Bake for about 35 minutes and serve hot.

Recipe #3

Ingredients:

• 4 oz dried elbow macaroni
• 1/3 cup fat-free milk
• 4 slices low-fat American cheese, about 3/4 oz each
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp light tub margarine
• 1 tsp prepared mustard
• 1/8 tsp red hot-pepper sauce
• 1/8 tsp salt

Directions:

In a large saucepan, cook macaroni as per package instructions without the addition of salt and oil. Drain macaroni and place it again in the saucepan. Then add cheese, milk, margarine, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, hot-pepper sauce and salt. Cook over medium heat for about 8 - 10 minutes, until cheese melts and the mixture becomes slightly thick. Keep on stirring frequently while cooking. Then remove it from heat and allow it to stand for about 5 minutes, so that it becomes thicker.

A unique blend of macaroni and cheese can be an excellent choice for making various soul food recipes. With assistance from the above-mentioned recipes, prepare lip-smacking food, and enjoy. Bon appetit!