Patti LaBelle’s Legendary Macaroni and Cheese Recipe to Try Today

There’s nothing quite like a bubbling, creamy, golden-topped dish of macaroni and cheese to bring everyone running to the table. And when it comes to soul-satisfying comfort food, no one does it better than Patti LaBelle. This woman isn’t just a music icon—she’s a kitchen queen, too. If you’re craving a dish that’s ooey-gooey, rich, and packed with bold flavor, this is the mac and cheese recipe for you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Patti LaBelle’s macaroni and cheese is legendary for a reason:

• Rich, cheesy flavor: With five types of cheese, each bite bursts with creamy goodness.
• Comfort food gold: This dish is warm, filling, and nostalgic—perfect for family dinners or holidays.
• Beginner-friendly: You don’t need to be a pro chef. Simple steps, amazing results.
• Customizable: Want to spice it up with jalapeños or add a crunchy topping? Go for it!
• A proven crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re feeding picky kids or hungry adults, it disappears fast.

Isn’t it the best when something so delicious is also easy to make? That’s what this recipe is all about!

Essential Tools and Equipment

You probably already have most of what you need in your kitchen:

• Large pot: For boiling pasta.
• Colander: To drain the macaroni.
• Large mixing bowl: To combine all the cheesy goodness.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For easy mixing.
• Baking dish (9×13): A glass or ceramic dish works best.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy.
• Grater (optional): If you’re grating your own cheese (which is recommended!).

Preparation Tips

Want to make sure your mac and cheese turns out perfectly creamy and flavorful? These tips are here to help:

• Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Cook pasta just shy of al dente: It finishes cooking in the oven and absorbs more cheesy sauce.
• Let it rest: After baking, let the dish sit for 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets up beautifully.
• Make ahead: You can assemble the dish a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Pro tip: Wash up as you go—it’ll be less overwhelming once the cheese coma sets in after dinner!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you need to bring Patti’s famous mac and cheese to life:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter (plus extra for greasing and topping)
• 1/2 cup shredded Muenster cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mild Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Velveeta cheese
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup half-and-half (room temperature)
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)

Note: You can find all of these at most grocery stores, but don’t be afraid to swap based on what’s available—see tips below!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add vegetable oil and the elbow macaroni. Cook until just tender, about 7–8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the macaroni with the melted butter. Stir gently to coat every noodle.
4. Add all the shredded cheeses (reserving about one-third for topping), half-and-half, evaporated milk, and beaten eggs. Stir until everything is well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently but thoroughly.
6. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheese evenly over the top. Dot with a few thin slices of butter for an extra indulgent top layer.
7. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Remove from oven and let set for about 5–10 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

Your kitchen will smell amazing, and trust me—everyone will be lining up for seconds before you know it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a classic recipe can go sideways without a little guidance. Here are some common errors—and how to sidestep them:

• Overcooking the pasta: If you boil it to mush, it’ll fall apart during baking. Aim for al dente.
• Skipping the butter topping: Those little pats of butter add incredible richness and help brown the top.
• Using cold ingredients: Let eggs and dairy come to room temp before mixing for a smoother sauce.
• Not greasing the baking dish: Sticky cheese = stuck-on mess. Don’t skip this step!

Best Side Dishes

Looking to round out your soul food masterpiece? Here are some perfect pairings for Patti’s mac and cheese:

• Collard greens: Their slight bitterness balances the richness of the cheese.
• Fried chicken: Classic Southern combo—crispy chicken and creamy mac? Yes, please.
• Cornbread: Slightly sweet and fluffy, it’s the perfect sponge for all that cheesy goodness.
• Green salad with vinaigrette: A fresh, crisp contrast to the hearty main dish.

Expert Recipe Tips

Ready to level-up your mac and cheese? Here’s some insider know-how:

• Add a crunchy topping: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.
• Make it spicy: Stir in chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.
• Go meat-lovers style: Stir in cooked bacon, ham, or pulled chicken for a heartier dish.
• Switch up cheeses: Havarti, Gruyère, or fontina all melt beautifully and can bring different aromas.

Cooking is all about making a recipe your own—so don’t be afraid to experiment!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:

• Storage: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze individual portions. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, or bake at 350°F, covered with foil for 15–20 minutes.

Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore that creamy texture!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free elbow macaroni. Be sure to check the labels on your cheese and dairy, too.

What if I don’t have evaporated milk?

You can substitute with whole milk or even use all half-and-half. The texture might be slightly less rich, but still delicious.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the mac and cheese (right up to the baking step), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

Why use so many cheeses?

Each cheese adds something different—creaminess, sharpness, stretchiness. Together, they give the dish incredible depth of flavor.

Is Velveeta necessary?

It’s part of what makes this recipe ultra smooth and creamy, but you can leave it out or sub with another melty cheese if preferred.

Final Thoughts

Patti LaBelle’s macaroni and cheese isn’t just a recipe—it’s a soul-warming experience. Whether you’re unveiling it at a holiday table or just cozying up for a weeknight dinner, this dish brings comfort, flavor, and a whole lot of love to the table.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your cheese grater, turn up the oven, and let the rich aroma of bubbling cheese fill your home. If you try this recipe, drop a comment below! I’d love to know how it turns out—or how you made it your own. Don’t forget to share it with a friend who needs a little comfort food magic tonight.

Happy cooking!