Enjoyed as a hearty main course or as a side dish, this classic hoop cheese mac and cheese takes you back in time. This classic dish combines simple ingredients to make a tested and true creamy and dreamy macaroni and cheese.
What you Need to Make Hoop Cheese Mac and Cheese:
If you’re familiar with hoop cheese, you’ll know it is a perfect melting mild cheese, famous for its creamy texture and flavor. Hoop cheese has been a staple in Southern kitchens for generations, and this mac and cheese recipe pays homage to its simple yet irresistible appeal.
Hoop Cheese Mac and Cheese Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni
- Hoop cheese
- Whole milk
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Hoop Cheese Mac and Cheese
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat melt the butter.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk and whisk until it thickens and becomes perfectly smooth.
- Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded hoop cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Add paprika and cayenne pepper (optional) for a hint of spice.
- Combine with Macaroni: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and gently fold until the macaroni is coated evenly with the cheesy goodness.
- Season and Serve: Season the mac and cheese with salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve Warm: Serve the Old-Fashioned Hoop Cheese Mac and Cheese hot as a comforting side dish or a delicious main course.
Why You’ll Love Hoop Cheese Mac and Cheese
- Nostalgic Comfort: This recipe brings back fond memories of classic Southern mac and cheese, with the rich and creamy goodness of hoop cheese.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of basic ingredients to create a dish bursting with flavor.
- Time-Tested: This old-fashioned recipe stands the test of time, delivering that timeless Southern mac and cheese taste.
- Creamy Perfection: The combination of hoop cheese, butter and milk creates a silky-smooth cheese sauce that clings perfectly to the macaroni.
- Versatile Delight: Enjoy it as a side dish at family gatherings or as a comforting main course. It’s a crowd-pleaser either way.
What is Hoop Cheese? Is it the Same as Cheddar Cheese?
You may not have heard of it before, especially if you’re not from the South. Hoop cheese originated in the Southern United States and was very popular up until the 1960’s. Its distinct appearance at shops, deli counters and groceries made it stand out. Hoop cheese, unlike most other cheeses, is formed in a bright red round wax mold.
Hoop cheese is a mild white cheese with a soft and slightly crumbly texture. When compared to cheddar cheese, hoop cheese is usually milder, lacking the tangy cheddar bite that most cheddar cheese has. Feel free to use a mild cheese, like cheddar in this recipe, most will work well.
Cooking Tips and Variations
Cooking Tips
- Custom Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese blends by mixing hoop cheese with cheddar, Monterey Jack or Gouda for added flavor.
- Crunchy Topping: Create a crunchy topping by mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkling it over the mac and cheese before baking.
- Spice it Up: Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
- Bake for Crust: For an extra layer of texture, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with additional cheese or breadcrumbs and bake until golden and bubbly.
Old-Fashioned Hoop Cheese Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 cups hoop cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
Cook the Macaroni:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded hoop cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add paprika and cayenne pepper (optional) for a hint of spice.
Combine with Macaroni:
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and gently fold until the macaroni is coated evenly with the cheesy goodness.
Season and Serve:
- Season the mac and cheese with salt and black pepper to taste.
- If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve the Old-Fashioned Hoop Cheese Mac and Cheese hot as a comforting side dish or a delicious main course. Enjoy!
