Terry Black's Mac and Cheese Recipe

Servings

Serving your homemade Terry Black's-inspired mac and cheese is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary dishes. Here's how you can serve it:

1. Classic BBQ Pairing

Serve it as a side dish with barbecue staples like smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken. The creamy, cheesy mac complements the smoky, savory flavors of the meat beautifully.

2. Individual Servings

Spoon the mac and cheese into small ramekins or bowls for individual servings. Garnish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika, freshly chopped parsley, or crispy bacon bits for a polished presentation.

3. Family-Style Platter

For a more casual or family-style meal, transfer the mac and cheese to a large serving dish. Place it at the center of the table alongside cornbread, coleslaw, and baked beans for a complete Southern feast.

4. Toppings Bar

Get creative by offering a toppings bar. Include options like crushed crackers, fried onions, diced jalapeños, extra cheese, or hot sauce. This lets everyone customize their serving to their liking.

5. Bake for a Crowd

If you're hosting a gathering, bake the mac and cheese in a large casserole dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Serve it hot and bubbly right out of the oven for an irresistible, crowd-pleasing dish.

6. Leftover Tips

If you have leftovers, reheat them with a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture. You can also transform leftovers into baked mac and cheese bites by spooning the mixture into a muffin tin and baking until golden.

Tips

1. Use High-Quality Cheese

• Opt for blocks of cheese and shred them yourself instead of pre-shredded cheese. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
• A blend of sharp cheddar for bold flavor and Monterey Jack for creaminess works wonders.

2. Cook Pasta Just Right

• Cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente. This ensures it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the cheese sauce or baked.
• Salt your pasta water generously—this is your chance to infuse flavor into the pasta itself.

3. Perfect Your Cheese Sauce

• Don’t rush the roux (the butter and flour mixture). Let it cook until golden to avoid a raw flour taste.
• Gradually add the milk and cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth sauce.
• Stir in cheese slowly, allowing it to melt evenly.

4. Enhance the Flavor

• Smoked paprika adds depth and complements the barbecue theme. If you want to take it up a notch, add a splash of liquid smoke.
• For a spicier kick, include cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.

5. Customize the Toppings

• A breadcrumb topping mixed with butter and parmesan adds a delicious crunch when baked. Sprinkle some on top before baking for texture contrast.
• If you’re skipping the bake, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

6. Batch Cooking and Storage

• This mac and cheese reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• For freezing, cool it completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently with added milk.

7. Pair It Well

• This recipe shines alongside smoked meats like brisket, ribs, or pulled pork. Serve with sides like cornbread, coleslaw, or baked beans for a full barbecue spread.

8. Experiment and Make It Your Own

• Add cooked bacon bits, caramelized onions, or even pulled pork to turn it into a meal.
• Try different cheeses like gouda, fontina, or gruyere to experiment with flavors.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you need to substitute ingredients in your Terry Black's-inspired mac and cheese recipe, here are some excellent alternatives that maintain the dish's creamy, cheesy goodness:

For Cheese

1. Cheddar Cheese:

   • Substitute with Colby, gouda, or fontina for a similar creamy texture and mild flavor.
   • For sharper flavor, try aged cheddar or asiago.

2. Monterey Jack:

   • Use mozzarella, provolone, or havarti for a comparable creamy texture and mild taste.
   • Pepper Jack adds a bit of spice for a unique twist.

For Milk and Cream

1. Whole Milk:

   • Substitute with 2% milk, evaporated milk, or unsweetened almond milk.
   • For extra richness, use half-and-half.

2. Heavy Cream:

   • Use sour cream, cream cheese (softened), or Greek yogurt for a tangy richness.
   • Coconut cream is a non-dairy option, though it may slightly alter the flavor.

For Butter

• Use margarine or plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
• Olive oil can also work, though it won’t provide the same creamy flavor.

For Pasta

• Substitute elbow macaroni with shells, cavatappi, or rotini, which also hold the sauce well.
• For gluten-free options, use chickpea pasta, rice-based pasta, or lentil pasta.

For Flour (in the Roux)

• Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder (diluted in cold milk before adding to the roux).
• Gluten-free all-purpose flour works well for a gluten-free version.

For Breadcrumb Topping

• Use crushed crackers (like Ritz or saltines), panko, or crushed cornflakes.
• For a gluten-free topping, try crushed gluten-free crackers or ground nuts (like almonds or pecans).

For Flavor Enhancers

1. Smoked Paprika:

   • Use regular paprika with a drop of liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor.
   • Chipotle powder can add smokiness and a slight kick.

2. Mustard Powder:

   • Use Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, or a splash of white vinegar for tanginess.

3. Cayenne Pepper:

   • Substitute with red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

For Dairy-Free Options

• Use plant-based cheeses like cashew cheese or nutritional yeast for the sauce.
• Opt for unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk, and vegan butter.