Learn how to elevate your regular mac and cheese game by adding a touch of Old Bay seasoning in this homemade Old Bay Mac and Cheese. Unleash the secret ingredient that will take this comfort food favorite to the next level.
I’m crazy about mac and cheese. I also love Old Bay, so I thought that I’d toss two of my favorite things together and create this fantastic Old Bay Mac and Cheese!
Normally, I’m not a baked mac and cheese kinda gal but I make an exception for this recipe!
Ingredients For Old Bay Mac and Cheese:
- elbow macaroni
- butter
- flour
- milk
- salt
- pepper
- Old Bay
- paprika
- shredded Colby Jack Cheese
Ingredient amounts and entire recipe directions in recipe card below with print option!
Old Bay seasoning is not just your average spice blend; it’s a flavor powerhouse that brings a whole new dimension to your mac and cheese. With its unique blend of spices, including celery salt, paprika, and mustard, Old Bay adds a distinct and irresistible savory kick that takes your dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
But what makes Old Bay seasoning perfect for mac and cheese? Its bold and complex flavor profile complements the rich and creamy nature of this classic comfort food. The combination of the creamy cheese sauce and the vibrant spices of Old Bay creates a harmonious balance that will tantalize your taste buds with every bite.
How To Make Old Bay Mac and Cheese:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add pasta and cook for 12-13 minutes. Drain Pasta.
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In a stock pot, melt butter and stir in flour.
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Whisk flour and butter, cooking for 4-5 minutes.
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Add in milk and whisk until smooth.
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Add in salt, pepper, Old Bay, and Paprika.
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Remove from heat and whisk in 2 cups shredded cheese.
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Once melted, stir in cooked pasta.
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Preheat oven to 350F.
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Spoon half of the pasta mixture into a 9 inch pie dish.
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Cover with 1/2 cup cheese.
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Add remaining pasta mixture and cover with remaining cheese.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and toasty.
*parsley used as garnish but not required
What Type Of Pasta Should I Use?
Traditional elbow macaroni is always a safe bet, as its small shape holds the cheese sauce perfectly.
However, don’t be afraid to experiment with different pasta shapes like cavatappi or gemelli, which can bring a unique texture and visual appeal to your mac and cheese.
Expanding Your Flavor Palette: Other Seasonings to Try
Of course we love this pasta just as it is, but you can change it up if you want!
Let’s expand your flavor palette even further by exploring other seasonings to try:
- Smoky Paprika: Add a touch of smoky depth to your mac and cheese by sprinkling in some paprika. Its vibrant red color and smoky flavor will lend a beautiful contrast to the creamy cheese sauce.
- Chipotle Chili Powder: For those who love a hint of spiciness, consider incorporating chipotle chili powder into your mac and cheese. The smoky and slightly sweet flavors will add a delightful kick to every bite.
- Mustard Powder: For a tangy and slightly sharp flavor, try adding a pinch of mustard powder to your mac and cheese. It complements the richness of the cheese sauce and adds a unique zing to each bite.
- Cumin: If you’re looking to infuse your mac and cheese with a warm and earthy flavor, cumin is the seasoning to reach for. Its smoky and slightly nutty taste will bring a whole new dimension to your dish.
- Turmeric: Not only does turmeric lend vibrant color to your mac and cheese, but it also adds a subtle earthiness. In addition to its taste, turmeric is known for its potential health benefits, making it an enticing addition to your recipe.
Remember, these are just a few examples of seasonings you can experiment with. Feel free to mix and match according to your taste preferences.
More Mac and Cheese Recipes:
- One Dish Easy Cheesy Mac and Cheese
- Chicken and Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
- White Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese with Ham and Peas
- Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese
More Old Bay Recipes:
Old Bay Mac and Cheese
Old Bay Mac and Cheese
Learn how to elevate your regular mac and cheese game by adding a touch of Old Bay seasoning in this homemade Old Bay Mac and Cheese. Unleash the secret ingredient that will take this comfort food favorite to the next level.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cups shredded Colby Jack Cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook for 12-13 minutes.
- Drain Pasta.
- In a stock pot, melt butter and stir in flour.
- Whisk flour and butter, cooking for 4-5 minutes.
- Add in milk and whisk until smooth.
- Add in salt, pepper, Old Bay, and Paprika.
- Remove from heat and whisk in 2 cups shredded cheese.
- Once melted, stir in cooked pasta.
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Spoon half of the pasta mixture into a 9 inch pie dish.
- Cover with 1/2 cup cheese.
- Add remaining pasta mixture and cover with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and toasty.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 415Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 681mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 15g
Calories and Nutrition calculated by app may differ depending on what brands and ingredients you use at home.
If you make this recipe, leave me a comment or snap a picture and share it on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #bigbearswife — I love to see what you’re cooking from the blog!
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Shirley Grant says
What is Old Bay? I’d love to make this recipe, but I don’t know what Old Bay is or what I might use to substitute.
Angie says
Old Bay is a seasoning blend 🙂