Name: Patti LaBelle's Macaroni & Cheese: 5 Secrets to Soul-Satisfying Bliss
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: PT-491703H22M3S
Cuisine: Soul Food
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 1/2 stick (4 tbsp) butter; 1/2 cup evaporated milk; 2 cups half-and-half; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 cup shredded Muenster cheese; 1 cup shredded Colby cheese; 1 cup Velveeta, cubed; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for topping)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Tired of bland, forgettable macaroni and cheese that leaves you wondering why you bothered? Patti LaBelle’s macaroni and cheese recipe delivers creamy, cheesy perfection with layers of flavor that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds. This soul-satisfying mac and cheese transforms ordinary pasta and cheese into a decadent comfort food masterpiece that melts in your mouth with every bite.

As a soul food enthusiast who’s tested countless mac and cheese recipes over the years, I can confidently say Patti LaBelle’s approach stands above the rest. Her clever combination of premium cheeses, secret flavor enhancers, and perfect baking technique creates mac and cheese that’s both nostalgic and elevated.

In this guide, you’ll discover the five essential secrets to Patti’s famous recipe, plus expert tips on cheese selection, preparation techniques, and flavor variations that make this dish unforgettable.

Why This Patti LaBelle’s Macaroni & Cheese Recipe Works

Uses multiple cheese varieties for complex flavor and perfect melt
Incorporates simple but crucial seasoning techniques for depth
Features a fool-proof method for achieving creamy texture without graininess
Balances richness with subtle flavor enhancements
Perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, and potlucks

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Patti LaBelle’s Macaroni & Cheese

Best Pasta Shapes for This Macaroni & Cheese

Patti’s recipe traditionally calls for elbow macaroni, which captures the perfect amount of cheese sauce in each bite. The hollow shape and ridges help the creamy sauce cling to every piece. For best results, choose high-quality pasta that holds its shape well during baking.

Cheese Selection for Ultimate Macaroni & Cheese

The magic of Patti LaBelle’s macaroni & cheese comes from its thoughtful cheese blend. For authentic results, use:

Sharp cheddar for bold flavor
Monterey Jack for meltability and mild creaminess
Velveeta for smooth texture without separation
Muenster cheese for stretchy, gooey perfection

Quality Ingredients Make the Difference

While the cheese is the star, don’t overlook the supporting ingredients. Use whole milk or half-and-half for richness, real butter (not margarine), and fresh eggs to bind everything together. These quality basics create the foundation that allows the cheese flavors to shine.

Ingredients & Prep for Patti LaBelle’s Macaroni & Cheese

Craving the ultimate mac and cheese? Uncover Patti LaBelle's legendary secrets that transform this comfort classic into a soul-warming masterpiece. Discover now! — Craving the ultimate mac and cheese? Uncover Patti LaBelle’s legendary secrets that transform this comfort classic into a soul-warming masterpiece. Discover now!

Macaroni & Cheese Base Essentials

Elbow macaroni: 1 pound, cooked al dente (slightly firm)
Butter: 8 tablespoons, divided (some for the sauce, some for topping)
Eggs: 2 large, room temperature and lightly beaten
Milk: 2½ cups whole milk or half-and-half
Seasonings: Salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, paprika

Cheese Mixture Components

Sharp cheddar cheese: 2 cups shredded
Monterey Jack cheese: 1 cup shredded
Velveeta cheese: 8 ounces, cubed
Muenster cheese: 1 cup shredded
Extra sharp cheddar: ½ cup shredded (for topping)

Preparation Basics

Bring pasta water to a rolling boil before adding macaroni and 1 tablespoon salt. Cook pasta for 2 minutes less than package directions indicate. Meanwhile, shred fresh cheeses and cube the Velveeta. Having everything measured and ready before assembly makes the process seamless.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Patti LaBelle’s Macaroni & Cheese

Pre-Cooking Prep for Macaroni & Cheese Success

Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the macaroni in salted water until slightly underdone (about 2 minutes less than package directions).
Drain well but do not rinse – the starchy surface helps the sauce adhere better.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with 6 tablespoons of butter while still hot.

Creating the Perfect Macaroni & Cheese Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the lightly beaten eggs with milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Add three-quarters of the shredded cheeses and all of the Velveeta to the macaroni and butter mixture.
Pour the egg and milk mixture over the pasta and cheese, stirring gently to combine.
Transfer everything to the buttered baking dish.

Baking Your Macaroni & Cheese to Perfection

Top the macaroni mixture with the remaining shredded cheese.
Dot with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
Bake uncovered at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
The center should be set but still slightly jiggly when done.

Resting for Maximum Macaroni & Cheese Flavor

Allow your mac and cheese to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This crucial step lets the sauce thicken slightly and allows the flavors to settle together. The resting period is what separates good mac and cheese from truly great mac and cheese.

Pro Tips for Perfect Patti LaBelle Macaroni & Cheese

Avoiding Common Macaroni & Cheese Mistakes

Never overcook your pasta – it continues cooking in the oven
Shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded (which contains anti-caking agents that affect melting)
Let ingredients come to room temperature before mixing for even cooking
Don’t skip the resting period after baking

Looking for more crowd-pleasing side dishes? Check out this amazing Sweet Potato Cranberry Gratin that pairs beautifully with Patti’s mac and cheese!

Tool Recommendations for Macaroni & Cheese

Heavy-bottom pot for cooking pasta without scorching
Box grater for freshly shredded cheese
9×13 ceramic baking dish for even heat distribution
Instant-read thermometer to check for doneness (should reach 160°F in center)

Storage & Reheating Macaroni & Cheese

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best reheating results, add a splash of milk, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). Avoid microwave reheating which can make the texture rubbery.

Flavor Variations for Patti LaBelle’s Macaroni & Cheese

Spicy Macaroni & Cheese Twist

Add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture or fold in ¼ cup of diced jalapeños for heat that complements the creamy cheese. A dash of hot sauce can also be added to individual servings for customizable spiciness.

For a complete meal, pair this mac and cheese with our Lemon Chicken Veggie Orzo Stir-Fry for a delicious contrast of flavors!

Herb-Enhanced Macaroni & Cheese

Fresh herbs add brightness to the rich dish. Consider these additions:

Herb	Amount	Flavor Profile
Thyme	1 tablespoon	Earthy, pairs well with cheddar
Rosemary	1 teaspoon	Aromatic, distinctive
Chives	2 tablespoons	Mild onion flavor, beautiful garnish
Sage	1 teaspoon	Savory, works with rich dishes

Truffle Macaroni & Cheese Luxury

For special occasions, add 1-2 teaspoons of truffle oil to the cheese mixture before baking. The earthy, luxurious flavor of truffle elevates this comfort food to restaurant quality. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color contrast.

Serving Suggestions for Patti LaBelle’s Macaroni & Cheese

Serve alongside roasted chicken or turkey for holiday meals
Pair with collard greens and cornbread for a soul food feast
Balance the richness with a crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing
Complement with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash for a perfect fall dinner

For presentation, serve directly in the baking dish or transfer to a warmed serving platter. A light sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs adds visual appeal. Looking for more inspiration? Find incredible recipes to pair with this mac and cheese on our Pinterest page where we’ve curated the perfect complement dishes!

FAQs About Patti LaBelle’s Macaroni & Cheese

Can I make Patti LaBelle’s macaroni & cheese ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, allow the dish to come to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Why is my macaroni & cheese dry?

Dry mac and cheese typically results from overcooking, using too little liquid, or not having enough fat in your cheese mixture. Ensure you’re using whole milk or half-and-half, plenty of butter, and that you’re not overbaking the dish.

Can I freeze Patti LaBelle’s macaroni & cheese?

While possible, freezing isn’t ideal as it can affect the texture. If you must freeze, do so before baking. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight, bring to room temperature, and then bake as directed. Add extra milk if it seems dry after thawing.

Conclusion

Patti LaBelle’s macaroni & cheese isn’t just a recipe—it’s a celebration of comfort food done right. With its perfect blend of cheeses, thoughtful preparation, and soul-satisfying results, it’s no wonder this dish has become legendary. The five secrets—multiple cheese varieties, cooking pasta al dente, adding eggs for richness, careful seasoning, and allowing the dish to rest—transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday table, Sunday dinner, or just because you deserve something special, this mac and cheese delivers every time. Give it a try and join the thousands who’ve made Patti’s recipe a treasured family favorite!

What makes your mac and cheese special? Share your tips or questions in the comments below, and don’t forget to save this recipe for your next gathering!

Patti LaBelle’s Macaroni & Cheese: 5 Secrets to Soul-Satisfying Bliss