Go Back Email Link
popeyes mac and cheese recipe

Popeyes Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
  • 1 cup American cheese, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup smoked Gouda, shredded
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • Cooking spray

Method
 

  1. Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water for 2 minutes less than the package time (about 6 to 7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, whisk in the flour, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, then stir over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes until thickened.
  3. Reduce heat to low, stir in all the spices, then add the cheddar, American cheese, and Gouda in batches, stirring until smooth after each addition.
  4. Remove from heat, temper the beaten egg by mixing it with 1/2 cup of the warm sauce in a small bowl, then stir it back into the pot. Add the drained macaroni and stir to combine.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges bubble and the top is lightly set.
  6. Rest for 5 minutes, then scoop into a serving bowl and dust with a pinch of smoked paprika before serving.

Notes

The sauce thickens quite a bit as the dish bakes and then rests, so don't worry if it looks a little loose when it first comes out of the oven. If you're making this ahead, keep the unbaked dish covered in the fridge and add a few extra minutes to the bake time. American cheese is not optional here; it's what keeps the sauce from breaking under heat.