Georgia BBQ Mac & Cheese Delight
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Georgia BBQ Mac & Cheese Delight, inspired by the beloved recipe from the famed Sam and Dave's BBQ joint in Marietta. This hearty baked dish harmonizes the creamy goodness of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, enveloping tender rigatoni pasta in a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, each bite bursts with flavor and a hint of Southern charm. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just craving a delightful treat, this mac and cheese is sure to impress and satisfy!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rigatoni Pasta
1 (16-ounce box)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
8 (ounces, shredded)
Monterey Jack Cheese
8 (ounces, shredded)
Parmesan Cheese
4 (ounces, grated)
Heavy Cream
2 (cups)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and generously salt it. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta but do not rinse to preserve the starch that helps bind the cheese sauce.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained rigatoni with half of the sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until everything is well-mixed. Season generously with freshly cracked pepper and adjust salt to taste.
4
Transfer the creamy pasta mixture into a greased 9"x13" casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining cheese mixture, ensuring every corner is covered.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration behind the Georgia BBQ Mac & Cheese Delight recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the beloved macaroni and cheese from Sam and Dave's BBQ joint in Marietta, Georgia.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce box of rigatoni pasta.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Which three cheeses are used in this dish?
The dish uses a blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses.
How much sharp cheddar cheese do I need?
You will need 8 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
What amount of Monterey Jack cheese is required?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
How much Parmesan cheese should be added?
You should use 4 ounces of grated Parmesan cheese.
What liquid is used to make the cheese sauce creamy?
Two cups of heavy cream are used to create the rich, velvety sauce.
Should I rinse the pasta after boiling?
No, do not rinse the pasta to preserve the starch that helps the cheese sauce bind to the rigatoni.
How long should the mac and cheese bake?
Bake the dish for 30 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
What size casserole dish is needed for this recipe?
A greased 9-inch by 13-inch casserole dish is required.
How should the pasta be cooked initially?
The rigatoni should be cooked in generously salted boiling water until it is al dente.
How is the cheese distributed in the dish?
Half of the cheese mixture is mixed into the pasta, and the remaining half is spread over the top before baking.
Is this recipe considered a Southern dish?
Yes, it is tagged as Southern cuisine and a classic BBQ side dish.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: rigatoni, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
Is salt and pepper added to the mixture?
Yes, salt and freshly cracked pepper should be added to taste.
Should the dish be served immediately?
It is recommended to allow the dish to cool slightly after baking before serving.
What is the texture of the finished mac and cheese?
It features a creamy, velvety cheese sauce with a golden brown, bubbly cheese topping.
Can I use this as a side for a barbecue?
Yes, it is specifically described as a perfect BBQ side dish and a crowd-pleaser.
What is the recipe ID for this dish?
The internal recipe ID is georgia-bbq-mac--cheese-delight.
Is the Parmesan cheese shredded or grated?
The recipe specifies that the Parmesan cheese should be grated.
Does the recipe include a specific amount for salt?
No, salt is listed to taste for both the pasta water and the cheese mixture.
What is the primary flavor profile of this mac and cheese?
It is a hearty comfort food with a rich, triple-cheese flavor and a hint of Southern charm.
How is the pasta prepared before baking?
It is boiled until al dente, drained without rinsing, and mixed with heavy cream and cheese.
Is this a stovetop or baked recipe?
This is a baked macaroni and cheese recipe.
What should the top of the mac and cheese look like when done?
The top cheese layer should be golden brown and bubbly.
Is the cheddar cheese mild or sharp?
The recipe specifically calls for sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
The tags include macaroni and cheese, baked pasta, comfort food, crowd-pleaser, southern cuisine, and BBQ side dish.
Is the heavy cream mixed with other ingredients first?
Yes, the heavy cream is stirred into the hot pasta along with half of the cheese blend before being transferred to the dish.
What kind of pepper is suggested?
The recipe instructions recommend using freshly cracked pepper.