Table of Contents

Dave Roberts’ Mac & Cheese: A Southern Comfort Classic

The memory still makes my mouth water. A summer afternoon in Marietta, Georgia, the air thick with humidity and the tantalizing aroma of barbecue. Sam and Dave’s was a revelation – not just for the perfectly smoked ribs, but for the unassuming side dish that stole the show: their baked macaroni and cheese. It wasn’t just cheese and noodles; it was creamy, decadent, and utterly addictive. Every forkful was a warm hug, a taste of true Southern comfort. I knew I had to recreate this magic at home, and thankfully, I stumbled upon the recipe in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) box rigatoni pasta
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
8 ounces monterey jack cheese, shredded
4 ounces parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment Needed

Large pot
Colander
Large mixing bowl
9″x13″ casserole dish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the macaroni and cheese bakes evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
Prepare the rigatoni according to the package directions. Be sure to add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water – this is crucial for seasoning the pasta from the inside out. Undersalted pasta will result in a bland dish, even with all that cheese!
Once the pasta is cooked al dente (slightly firm to the bite), drain it thoroughly in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta! Rinsing will remove the starches that help the cheese sauce cling to the noodles.
Transfer the drained pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the shredded monterey jack cheese, and half of the grated parmesan cheese.
Pour in the heavy cream. This is what gives the macaroni and cheese its signature richness and creamy texture.
Stir everything together well to combine. Make sure the cheeses are evenly distributed throughout the pasta. Season generously with pepper to taste. A little bit of salt might be needed as well, depending on the saltiness of your cheeses, but taste first before adding more.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 9″x13″ casserole dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure even baking.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese, monterey jack cheese, and parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. This will create a beautiful golden-brown, bubbly crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The macaroni and cheese should be heated through and the cheese should be melted and gooey. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Let the macaroni and cheese cool slightly before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken up a bit and prevents you from burning your mouth!

Expert Tips & Tricks

Cheese Quality Matters: Using high-quality cheeses will significantly enhance the flavor of your macaroni and cheese. Don’t skimp on the good stuff!
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the baked dish. Cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the macaroni and cheese ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Breadcrumb Topping: For an extra crispy topping, mix some breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle it over the cheese before baking. Panko breadcrumbs work particularly well.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture for a subtle kick.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve Dave Roberts’ Mac & Cheese warm as a side dish to your favorite barbecue, fried chicken, or even a simple salad. It’s also delicious on its own as a comforting main course.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to restore its original creaminess.

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions of cooled macaroni and cheese for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	474.7 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	282 g	60%
Total Fat	31.4 g	48%
Saturated Fat	19 g	95%
Cholesterol	132.3 mg	44%
Sodium	392.9 mg	16%
Total Carbohydrate	28.9 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	1.2 g	5%
Sugars	1 g	4%
Protein	19.5 g	38%

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rigatoni pasta for a gluten-free version.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese combinations to create your own unique flavor profile. Gruyere, fontina, or provolone would all be delicious additions.
Vegetables: Stir in some cooked vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or peas, for a more nutritious meal.
Smoked Flavor: Add a touch of smoked paprika to the cheese mixture for a smoky flavor.
Spicy Mac & Cheese: Introduce heat with diced jalapeños or a generous pinch of red pepper flakes.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: While convenient, pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly as freshly shredded cheese. Freshly shredded cheese is always recommended for the best results.

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, but the macaroni and cheese will be less rich and creamy. For a lighter option, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Q: How do I prevent the macaroni and cheese from drying out?
A: Make sure to bake it at the correct temperature and avoid overbaking. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Q: Can I add meat to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or pulled pork would all be delicious additions.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover macaroni and cheese?
A: Baking it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) is the best way to reheat it. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, but it may not be as creamy.

Final Thoughts

Dave Roberts’ Mac & Cheese is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of Southern hospitality, a comforting classic that’s sure to please everyone at your table. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and flavors to make it your own. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your own experiences and variations. Pair it with some smoky barbecue or a crisp green salad for a truly unforgettable meal. Enjoy!

Dave Roberts’ Mac & Cheese Recipe