When it comes to comfort food, nothing hits quite like Southern Baked Mac and Cheese. Imagine a creamy, cheesy concoction that wraps around your taste buds like a warm hug on a chilly day. southern comfort food pairing The gooey layers of cheese mingle with perfectly cooked pasta, creating an irresistible dish that beckons you to come back for seconds… or thirds. sweet and sour chicken recipe.
Now, let me take you on a little trip down memory lane. Growing up in the South, family gatherings always revolved around one glorious centerpiece: my grandmother’s mac and cheese. It was the highlight of every holiday dinner, where laughter echoed and everyone fought over the last spoonful. So grab your forks and get ready; this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just when you need a good old-fashioned comfort fix!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- The rich blend of cheeses creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
- Its golden-brown crust adds visual appeal that’s hard to resist.
- Enjoy it as a side dish or turn it into a main event with added proteins like chicken or bacon.
Ingredients for Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Elbow Macaroni: About 2 cups of elbow macaroni provides the perfect shape to cradle all that cheesy goodness.
- Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a robust flavor; it melts beautifully and creates that classic mac and cheese taste.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese adds creaminess and helps balance out the sharper cheddar flavor.
- Milk: Whole milk works best to achieve that rich, creamy texture; skim milk just won’t cut it.
- Butter: You’ll need about four tablespoons of butter to create the roux that binds everything together.
- Flour: Use all-purpose flour to thicken your cheese sauce; it’s an essential player in this cheesy symphony.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These add delightful crunch on top—because who doesn’t love a crispy topping?
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you gather your ingredients. This ensures everything bakes evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour until smooth; cook for about one minute before gradually adding milk while whisking constantly until thickened.
Step 4: Add Cheeses
Once your sauce is thickened, reduce heat and stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper!
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Fold in the cooked macaroni into your cheesy concoction until well coated. Pour this delightful mixture into a greased baking dish.
Step 6: Bake
Top with panko breadcrumbs for that crunchy finish! Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Transfer to plates and serve hot! You can drizzle some extra melted butter over those breadcrumbs if you’re feeling extra indulgent—because why not?
So there you have it! A recipe that’s not just simple but also holds so many memories wrapped within its gooey goodness. Enjoy every bite of this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese—it’s sure to become a staple at your dinner table!
You Must Know
- This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is not just comfort food; it’s a hug in a bowl.
- With creamy cheese and a crunchy topping, you can easily impress your friends and family.
- It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that never fails to bring smiles!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the pasta until al dente while you melt butter in a saucepan for the cheese sauce. Whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and cheese, stirring until smooth. Combine everything in a baking dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs for that irresistible crunch.
Add Your Touch
Want to jazz up your Southern Baked Mac and Cheese? Try adding cooked bacon bits for smokiness or swap cheddar for gouda for a gourmet twist. You could even toss in some roasted veggies to sneak in extra nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Storing & Reheating
To store your Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly creamy mac and cheese, use a mix of cheeses like sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- Don’t rush the roux; cook it until golden brown for depth of flavor.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before baking—it’s key to deliciousness!
Nothing beats the look on my cousin’s face when he took his first bite of this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese at our family reunion. He exclaimed, “This is better than my mom’s!” Talk about pressure on me at next year’s gathering!
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for Southern Baked Mac and Cheese?
To make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, you will need elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar cheese, milk, butter, flour, salt, and black pepper. Some recipes also include cream cheese for added creaminess or breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping. Gather these ingredients to create a rich and flavorful dish that embodies the essence of Southern comfort food. For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.
How long does it take to prepare Southern Baked Mac and Cheese?
Preparing Southern Baked Mac and Cheese typically takes about 20 minutes for prep and 30 to 40 minutes for baking. Overall, you can expect the entire process to take around an hour. This includes cooking the pasta, making the cheese sauce, and allowing it to bake until golden brown. It’s a relatively simple dish that’s perfect for gatherings.
Can I make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese ahead of time. Prepare the dish up until baking, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve it, simply bake it directly from the fridge. It might require a few extra minutes in the oven to heat through completely.
What are some variations of Southern Baked Mac and Cheese?
There are plenty of delicious variations for Southern Baked Mac and Cheese. You can add cooked bacon or sausage for extra flavor. For a spicier kick, consider incorporating jalapeños or hot sauce. For a more gourmet touch, try mixing different types of cheese like gouda or Gruyère along with cheddar. Each variation adds a unique twist to this classic dish.
Conclusion for Southern Baked Mac and Cheese:
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that brings warmth to any table. With its creamy cheese sauce combined with perfectly cooked macaroni, it’s a crowd-pleaser at gatherings or family dinners. Remember to use quality ingredients like sharp cheddar for the best flavor. Feel free to experiment with different add-ins to create your own unique version of this beloved classic! Enjoy every creamy bite!
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining al dente elbow macaroni with a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, this nostalgic dish brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it’s a delicious hug in a bowl that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour until smooth; cook for one minute, then gradually add milk while whisking until thickened.
- Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and pour into a greased baking dish.
- Top with panko breadcrumbs and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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