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Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that brings joy to any meal! This creamy, cheesy pasta dish is a staple in many Southern households, known for its rich flavor and satisfying texture. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this recipe because it’s quick and easy to make while being incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this mac and cheese is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it uses ingredients that are easy to find and won’t break the bank. Who doesn’t love a cheesy, gooey dish that tastes like a hug?
Preparing Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (Cook according to package instructions)
- 2 tablespoons butter (Unsalted, for making the roux)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (For thickening the sauce)
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%) (Add slowly to prevent lumps)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper (To taste)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (For topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (To mix with breadcrumbs)
Directions:
- Cook the macaroni: Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for about a minute. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Add the cheese: Lower the heat and mix in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Combine macaroni and sauce: Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring until fully coated.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Add the topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until well-coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
How to Serve Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Serve your Southern Baked Mac and Cheese hot from the oven. You can enjoy it as a main dish or as a hearty side. Pair it with a fresh green salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal.
How to Store Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), allow them to cool completely, then cover them with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month by wrapping it tightly in foil or placing it in a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
- Make sure to cook the macaroni al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Don’t rush the cheese sauce; taking the time to slowly whisk in the milk will help prevent lumps.
- Feel free to mix in some cooked bacon or vegetables like broccoli for added flavor and nutrition.
Variations
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Try different types of cheese, such as gouda or smoked cheddar, for a unique twist.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, like shells or penne. Just keep an eye on the cooking time.
What can I do if my cheese sauce is too thick?
If your cheese sauce turns out too thick, you can easily fix it by adding a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the macaroni and cheese, assemble it in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for a day. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
This creamy, cheesy pasta dish is a staple in many Southern households and is perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for about a minute.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Lower the heat and mix in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring until fully coated.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.
Baking
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until well-coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Notes
Make sure to cook the macaroni al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven. Don’t rush the cheese sauce; taking the time to slowly whisk in the milk will help prevent lumps. Feel free to mix in some cooked bacon or vegetables like broccoli for added flavor and nutrition.
