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Where Can I Find Hoop Cheese in Cary

Macaroni and Hoop Cheese Recipe

Macaroni and Hoop Cheese

Follow our complete, step-by-step, photo illustrated instructions to learn how to make this old fashioned, Southern style mac and cheese. Made with hoop cheese but you can use any cheddar style cheese you prefer. Printable recipe included.

Mac and Cheese, enjoy!
Hoop cheese is an old Southern favorite cheddar cheese. It has a texture similar to a mild cheddar. The name comes from the round shape of the cheese mold during processing. Old country stores in the South sell it straight from it's wooden box, sliced to the size and amount you request.

Mac and Cheese, slider.

The very first thing Mama taught me how to cook was Macaroni and Cheese. Yes, it came in a blue box and used some type of powdery cheese, but it was pretty popular and easy to make. And, even though that was a very long time ago, that same Mac and Cheese in the blue box is probably more popular than ever today. Smile.

Folks have come to know that type of Mac and Cheese as their favorite. Youngsters these days don't really know any other kind. So, this version may be a bit of a surprise for many.

I've been wanting to make this Hoop Cheese version for a long time, and I'm glad to finally have the chance to share it with you here on Taste of Southern. It's almost as easy to make as the blue box type, but to me, it tastes much better. It's all about the hoop cheese.

Hoop cheese gets its name from the round molded shape the cheese is made and sold in. It's generally about 40 pounds in weight and often wrapped in a red or black rind as its called. Sadly, this Farmers Cheese does spoil fairly quickly after it's made. Some is aged, but most is not. As for flavor, it's fairly mild, but most old Southerners love it.

You'll still find it around Farmers Markets and in old Country Stores throughout the South. It's often packed in a round wooden box and sliced at the point of sale. A good merchant can slice off a pound within just an ounce or so.

You'll often find a much smaller piece sliced off and being sold with a small pack of soda crackers placed beside the register. I can't resist those when I see them in a store. It just brings back all sorts of memories for me.

Mama use to slice it thin and place on white bread to toast it in the oven. Or, she'd cut it up in chunks and melt it in her cast iron skillet. We'd eat it right off the plate or place some in a hot Buttermilk Biscuit. I could go on and on about hoop cheese. Smile.

My brother gave me a couple of pounds of this for Christmas just a few days ago. He had his own grocery store for years and always sold Hoop Cheese. Now, he buys a whole wheel each Christmas and has it sliced and wrapped into one pound sections to give to his family, friends and Sunday School Class members as gifts.

So, when I got my slices this year, I knew I had to make some Macaroni and Hoop Cheese to share here. I hope you will get the chance to try it one day soon. I'd also love to hear your memories of Hoop Cheese in the Comments section at the end of the recipe.

Ready to give it a try? Alright then, let's head on out to the kitchen, and… Let's Get Cooking!

Mac and Cheese, ingredients.
Macaroni and Hoop Cheese – You'll need these ingredients.

You can order Hoop Cheese online from a good number of places. Here's a North Carolina location that makes and sells it in case you're interested. Ashe County Cheese Company

Mac and Cheese, grate the cheese.
Begin the recipe by grating your block of cheese.

The cheese will grate much easier if it's cold. Smile.

Mac and Cheese, prepare the pasta.
Prepare the pasta according to the directions on the package. But, cook it about 4 minutes less than the time it calls for. It should still have a little "bite" to it since we will be baking it as well.

Use a colander to drain the pasta, then rinse lightly under cold running water. Drain again.

Mac and Cheese, prepare your baking dish.
Prepare your baking dish by rubbing the bottom and sides with butter.

Mac and Cheese, add pasta and mayo to a large mixing bowl.
Place the drained pasta in a large mixing bowl. Add the Duke's® Mayonnaise.

Mac and Cheese, add the evaporated milk.
Add the evaporated milk.

Mac and Cheese, add the ground mustard.
Add the ground mustard.

Mac and Cheese, add the paprika.
Add the paprika.

Mac and Cheese, add the grated cheese.
Add about 3/4ths of the grated hoop cheese. We'll use the remainder in a moment.

Mac and Cheese, mix well.
Grab a big spoon and stir everything together.

Mac and Cheese, add to baking dish.
Spread the pasta and cheese mixture into your baking dish.

Mac and Cheese, top with remaining cheese.
Use the remaining cheese to cover the top of the pasta in the baking dish.

Mac and Cheese, baking time and temp.
Place the dish in your oven that has been pre-heated to 350F degrees. Let the mac and cheese bake for 30 minutes. It should be bubbling hot and just slightly browned on top.

Mac and Cheese, remove and let rest.
Remove from the oven when done. Place on a folded towel or rack and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes prior to serving. This time will help it to firm up a bit for easier serving. This dish is best when served warm so keep that in mind when cooking and serving.

Mac and Cheese, enjoy.
Enjoy!

Print

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Description

Southern style Macaroni and Hoop Cheese. Hoop Cheese is an old Southern favorite, still found in old Country Stores. Easy to make.


Scale

Ingredients

1 box Elbow Macaroni (8oz)
1 lb. Hoop Cheese
1 cup Duke's Mayonnaise
1 can Evaporated Milk (12oz)
1 teaspoon Ground Mustard
1 teaspoon Paprika


Prepare pasta, cooking 4 minutes less than package directions.
Butter bottom and sides of baking dish.
Grate the cheese.
Drain and rinse cooked pasta.
Place drained pasta in a large mixing bowl.
Add mayonnaise.
Add milk.
Add ground mustard.
Add paprika.
Add 3/4ths of the grated cheese.
Mix together until fully combined.
Spread pasta mixture in baking dish.
Top with reserved cheese.
Bake at 350F for 30 minutes.
Remove and let rest 10-15 minutes.
Serve warm.
Enjoy!


Notes

Can't find Hoop Cheese in your area? You can substitute with a sharp or mild cheddar if need be.

Keywords: Hoop Cheese, macaroni, mac and cheese, Duke's mayonnaise, easy mac and cheese

Congratulations to our WINNER!

This Giveaway has ended. Here's how it all took place.

Giveaway
Win the Taste of Southern $50.00 Amazon Gift Card.

We're celebrating the beginning of our 8th year of posting recipes here on Taste of Southern. To celebrate, we're giving one lucky reader a $50.00 Amazon Gift Card. Just answer our very simple question.

Question: Have you ever tried Hoop Cheese?

There is no right or wrong answer, just share a memory of hoop cheese if you have one, or simply tell us you've never tried it. Winner will be chosen at random at end of Giveaway. You must check back to see if you've won.

Rules. Rules. Rules.

Only one entry per person. You must be over 18 to enter.
Open to residents of the USA, with apologies to all our other visitors.
Contest ends at midnight Eastern time, Saturday – January 11, 2020
Winner will be posted on Monday, January 13, 2020

Check back at the end of the giveaway to see if you've won and to claim your prize.

Winner must claim prize by midnight Friday, January 17, 2020.
Winner will be asked to submit your full name and address to us should you win.
Your prize will be emailed after you respond so you can enjoy it right away.
Winner will be selected at random, via Random.org. There is no right or wrong answer.

PS: Your Comment will not appear immediately, but be assured you'll be entered if you leave a comment before the deadline. I'll approve and post the replies just as quickly as possible. Thanks.
This Giveaway is totally sponsored by Taste of Southern. Amazon only knows me by my credit card. Smile.

Good Luck, and thanks for entering.

Your Comments:

Have you tried our Macaroni and Hoop Cheese Recipe?  How did you like it?

Share your memories of this dish with us. It will only take a minute or two for you to leave your comments in the section below.

Just remember, all comments are moderated.  That just means that I personally read each and everyone before they are approved for viewing on our family friendly website. Thank you in advance for sharing.

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Be Blessed!!!
Steve

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Tags: baking, Duke's Mayonnaise, easy, hoop cheese, mac and cheese, macaroni and hoop cheese, side dishes, southern side dishes, Steve Gordon, Taste of Southern

Category: Side Dishes

Where Can I Find Hoop Cheese in Cary

Source: https://www.tasteofsouthern.com/macaroni-and-hoop-cheese-recipe/