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
Scale
- 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