Kimmy’s Kreations Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’ve been searching for the perfect copycat Kimmy’s Kreations mac and cheese recipe, your quest ends here! This southern baked mac and cheese is the epitome of soul food comfort-rich, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re preparing this Kimmy’s Kreations baked mac and cheese for Sunday dinner, holidays, or just because you’re craving something indulgent, this recipe delivers that authentic soul food experience with every forkful.

Learn how to make Kimmy’s Kreations mac and cheese with this foolproof, step by step guide that guarantees creamy perfection every single time.

What is Kimmy’s Kreations Mac and Cheese and How Does It Taste?

Kimmy Kreations soul food mac and cheese is a luxurious, creamy baked macaroni dish that represents the pinnacle of southern comfort cooking. Unlike basic boxed versions, this Kimmy’s Kreations southern mac and cheese recipe features multiple premium cheeses-extra sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère-melted into heavy cream to create an ultra-rich sauce that coats every noodle.

The taste is incredibly indulgent: deeply cheesy with a subtle smoky undertone from paprika, perfectly seasoned from chicken bouillon-infused pasta water, and finished with crispy, golden cheese on top.

Each bite delivers creamy, stretchy cheese pull alongside tender pasta, with edges that develop a delightful crispy crust. It’s the mac and cheese that makes every gathering memorable.

Kimmy’s Kreations Mac and Cheese Recipe Ingredients and Kitchen Utensils

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb (16 oz / 450g) elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or similar short pasta
• 4-6 quarts water for boiling
• 1-2 tablespoons chicken bouillon (or 1-2 cubes/paste)
• 1-2 teaspoons salt (plus more to taste)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
• ½-1 cup Gruyère cheese, freshly grated
• ½-1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder
• Pinch of salt to taste

Optional Topping:

• Extra shredded cheese blend (for that irresistible cheese pull)

Kitchen Utensils

1. Large pot for boiling pasta
2. Separate saucepan for cheese sauce
3. Box grater or food processor for shredding cheese
4. 9×13-inch oven-safe baking dish
5. Colander for draining pasta
6. Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8-10 generous portions

Copycat Kimmy’s Kreations Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Seasoned Water

Fill your large pot with 4-6 quarts of water. Add the chicken bouillon and 1-2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Taste the water-it should be flavorful and salty like a light broth, which seasons the pasta from within, ensuring your Kimmy Kreations baked mac and cheese is never bland.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the entire pound of pasta. Stir immediately for 10-20 seconds to prevent sticking. Do not add oil-it prevents the cheese sauce from clinging properly. Cook according to package directions (approximately 10 minutes for al dente). Stir occasionally while you prepare the cheese sauce.

Step 3: Shred the Cheese

While the pasta boils, shred all your cheeses using a box grater or food processor. For the creamiest Kimmy’s mac and cheese recipe, always use freshly shredded cheese-pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Shred the extra sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère separately, keeping some aside for topping.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Base

In a separate saucepan, pour 1½ cups heavy cream and heat over medium until steaming hot but not boiling. Add the smoked paprika, garlic or onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir well. The smoked paprika creates that signature golden-orange color characteristic of authentic southern baked mac and cheese.

Step 5: Turn Off Heat and Melt the Cheese

Once the cream is hot and steaming, turn off the heat completely. This crucial step prevents the cheese from becoming grainy or oily. Add half to two-thirds of your shredded cheese blend (mostly cheddar and mozzarella, plus the Gruyère). Stir gently until completely melted and silky smooth. The residual heat creates the perfect melting environment.

Step 6: Drain and Combine

When pasta is perfectly al dente, drain thoroughly in a colander-do not rinse, as this removes the flavorful seasoning. Shake off excess water and immediately add the hot drained pasta to the cheese sauce pot. Stir thoroughly to coat every single noodle. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Assemble in Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to your 9×13-inch baking dish-no greasing necessary since the cheese’s natural oils prevent sticking. Smooth the top and sprinkle generously with reserved shredded cheese for that coveted cheese pull and crispy edges.

Step 8: Quick Bake

Bake at 425°F for 5-10 minutes, just until the top cheese melts, bubbles, and develops golden-brown crispy edges. Watch carefully to avoid overbaking-since there are no eggs or roux, everything is already cooked and just needs surface browning.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let the Kimmy’s Kreations baked mac and cheese recipe rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the sauce set slightly, making serving easier while maintaining that luscious creamy interior beneath the crispy top.

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving

1. Protein Additions for Heartier Meals

Transform your Kimmy Kreations soul food mac and cheese into a complete main course by folding in cooked proteins. Crispy bacon pieces, shredded rotisserie chicken, ground beef, pulled pork, or lobster chunks (for special occasions) work beautifully. Add proteins after combining pasta with sauce but before baking. This customization makes the dish filling enough to serve as the star attraction rather than a side.

2. Vegetable Enhancements

Incorporate vegetables to add nutrition, color, and texture contrast. Roasted broccoli florets, sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or fresh tomatoes complement the richness. Mix vegetables into the pasta before baking, or arrange them strategically on top for visual appeal. This works especially well when serving Kimmy’s mac and cheese as a vegetarian main dish.

3. Spicy Kick Variations

For heat lovers, customize with diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce swirled into the cheese sauce, or pepper jack cheese substituted for some of the mozzarella. A sprinkle of cayenne pepper in the cream base adds warmth without overwhelming the dish. This spicy version pairs perfectly with cooling sides like coleslaw or cucumber salad.

4. Breadcrumb Topping for Extra Crunch

Create textural contrast by mixing panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and dried herbs (Italian seasoning or thyme). Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese topping before baking. The result is a crunchy, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior-a favorite customization for southern baked mac and cheese enthusiasts.

5. Soul Food Dinner Pairing

Serve this Kimmy’s Kreations southern mac and cheese alongside classic soul food favorites: fried chicken, collard greens with smoked turkey, candied yams, cornbread, and black-eyed peas. Add potato salad and coleslaw for a complete spread. This traditional pairing honors the dish’s soul food roots and creates a memorable feast.

6. BBQ and Grilled Meats Companion

This baked mac and cheese recipe shines at cookouts and barbecues. Pair it with smoked ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, grilled chicken, beef brisket, or burgers. The creamy, rich cheese balances smoky, charred flavors perfectly. Add baked beans, grilled corn, and watermelon for the ultimate summer gathering menu.

7. Elegant Holiday Table Presentation

Elevate your Kimmy Kreations baked mac and cheese for holiday dinners by baking in individual ramekins or a decorative casserole dish. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives and serve alongside glazed ham, roasted turkey, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. The individual portions add elegance while maintaining that comforting soul food appeal everyone craves during celebrations.

Essential Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese

1. Always Use Freshly Shredded Cheese

The single most important tip for achieving the creamiest Kimmy’s Kreations mac and cheese is shredding your own cheese. Pre-shredded bagged cheese contains cellulose (an anti-caking agent) that prevents smooth melting and can create a grainy, separated sauce. While shredding takes a few extra minutes, the silky, luxurious texture is worth every second. Invest in a good box grater or use a food processor with a shredding disk for efficiency.

2. Season the Pasta Water Generously

Many home cooks underestimate the importance of properly seasoned pasta water. The chicken bouillon and salt in your boiling water infuse every noodle with savory flavor from the inside out. This technique ensures your southern baked mac and cheese tastes seasoned throughout, not just on the surface. The water should taste like a flavorful broth-if it tastes bland, your pasta will be bland no matter how good your cheese sauce is.

3. Turn Off Heat Before Adding Cheese

This crucial step prevents the cheese proteins from seizing up and becoming grainy or oily. When you add cheese to boiling liquid, the high heat causes the proteins to clump together and separate from the fat, resulting in a broken, greasy sauce. By turning off the heat and using residual warmth from the hot cream, the cheese melts slowly and evenly, creating that signature creamy consistency that makes Kimmy Kreations mac and cheese so special.

4. Don’t Overbake-Watch the Clock

Since this Kimmy’s Kreations baked mac and cheese recipe contains no eggs or flour-based roux, it doesn’t require long baking times like traditional recipes. Everything is already cooked when it goes in the oven; you’re simply melting the top cheese and creating those golden crispy edges. Overbaking (beyond 10 minutes) dries out the sauce and creates a stiff, crusty texture instead of creamy perfection. Set a timer and check at the 5-minute mark.

5. Choose the Right Pasta Shape

While elbow macaroni is traditional, pasta shapes with ridges, twists, or tubes (like cavatappi, cellentani, or shells) hold more cheese sauce in their grooves and crevices. This creates a more flavorful bite with better sauce-to-pasta ratio. Avoid delicate shapes like angel hair or large shapes like rigatoni-stick with short, sturdy pasta that can support the thick, rich cheese sauce without becoming mushy.

6. Temperature Matters for Combining

When you drain your pasta and add it to the cheese sauce, both should be hot. Hot pasta helps the sauce coat evenly and prevents the cheese from solidifying on contact. If your cheese sauce has cooled down while waiting for pasta, gently rewarm it over low heat (stirring constantly) before combining. This ensures every noodle gets completely enveloped in that luscious cheese coating that defines Kimmy’s mac and cheese.

7. Let It Rest Before Serving

Patience pays off with this southern baked mac and cheese recipe. Allowing the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking lets the sauce thicken slightly and settle, making it easier to serve neat portions without everything running together. The resting period also prevents tongue-burning temperatures while keeping the dish plenty hot. Use this time to prepare serving utensils, garnish, or take that perfect photo for your food blog!

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover Kimmy’s Kreations mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess, stirring halfway through. For oven reheating, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

Common Queries and FAQs

When you give this Kimmy’s Kreations Mac and Cheese Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

Q: Can I make Kimmy’s Kreations mac and cheese ahead of time?

A: Yes! Prepare the recipe through step 7 (assembled in the baking dish but not baked), cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes since it’s starting cold.

Q: Why does my cheese sauce get grainy or oily?

A: This happens when cheese is added to liquid that’s too hot or cooked over direct heat after adding. Always turn off the heat completely before adding cheese, and use freshly shredded cheese (not pre-shredded). The anti-caking agents in bagged cheese can also cause graininess.

Q: Can I freeze this baked mac and cheese?

A: Yes, though the texture may slightly change. Freeze the unbaked assembled dish (wrapped tightly in plastic wrap then foil) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate slightly when frozen, but stirring after reheating usually brings it back together.

Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?

A: Half-and-half works but creates a thinner sauce; you may need to add an extra ½ cup of cheese to compensate. Avoid milk alone as it’s too thin. For richer results, stick with heavy cream-it’s what makes this Kimmy Kreations soul food mac and cheese so luxuriously creamy.

Q: Can I use different cheese combinations?

A: Absolutely! The key is balancing sharp flavor (cheddar), creaminess (mozzarella), and richness (Gruyère). You could substitute Monterey Jack, fontina, or white cheddar. Avoid cheeses that don’t melt well like feta or cotija. Always include at least one good melting cheese.

Q: Why does the recipe call for chicken bouillon in the pasta water?

A: This soul food technique adds deep, savory flavor that seasons the noodles from within. It’s what makes Kimmy’s Kreations southern mac and cheese taste so complex and flavorful compared to ordinary versions. Vegetable bouillon works as a substitute.

Q: My mac and cheese seems dry-what went wrong?

A: This usually happens from overbaking or using pre-shredded cheese. Bake only until the top cheese melts (5-10 minutes), and always use freshly shredded cheese. If it’s already dry, stir in a little warm cream or milk before serving to revive the creaminess.

This Kimmy’s Kreations mac and cheese recipe delivers authentic soul food comfort with its creamy three-cheese sauce, perfectly seasoned pasta, and irresistible crispy cheese topping. By following this step by step guide and incorporating the essential tips, you’ll master how to make Kimmy’s Kreations mac and cheese that rivals the original every time.

The combination of extra sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère creates unmatched richness, while the chicken bouillon-seasoned pasta ensures flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving this copycat Kimmy’s Kreations mac and cheese for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, it’s guaranteed to become your go-to southern baked mac and cheese recipe that everyone requests!

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