New Orleans Baked Mac and Cheese is a bold and indulgent spin on a Southern classic. It features perfectly cooked spaghetti enveloped in a spicy, creamy cheese sauce with notes of garlic and cayenne. Layered with gooey mozzarella and sharp cheddar, it bakes to a golden, bubbly finish that’s hard to resist—ideal as a standout side or a satisfying main dish. 🧀 New Orleans Baked Mac and Cheese Ingredients: IngredientAmountDry spaghetti1 lbUnsalted butter4 tbspAll-purpose flour4 tbspKosher salt2 tspGround black pepper2 tspGranulated garlic1 tspCayenne pepper½ tspHalf-and-half4 cupsHeavy cream½ cupShredded mozzarella (divided)3 cupsShredded cheddar (white or orange, divided)3 cups Instructions: Preheat Oven… – Page 2

Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish (or two 8×8 pans) with non-stick spray and set aside.
Cook the Spaghetti:
Boil the pasta for 6 minutes only—it should be quite firm since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
Make the Roux:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 30 seconds to create a smooth roux and eliminate the raw flour taste.
Season the Base:
Stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne, whisking to incorporate the spices evenly into the roux.
Build the Sauce:
Slowly add the half-and-half and heavy cream, whisking continuously until smooth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is velvety.
Add Pasta to Sauce:
Turn off the heat. Toss the drained spaghetti directly into the cheese sauce, stirring until the noodles are evenly coated.
Assemble the Dish:
Spoon the cheesy pasta into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses generously on top.
Bake to Finish:
Place in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top layer of cheese is golden and melted to perfection.