This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting! With layers of ooey-gooey cheese and a crispy golden top, it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure.
Who can resist such cheesy goodness? It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I love serving it as a side with barbecue or enjoying a big bowl on a cozy night in. You can’t go wrong!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This is the classic choice for mac and cheese due to its shape and ability to hold cheese sauce. If you want something different, try cavatappi or shells, which work well too!
Cheese: My go-to is sharp cheddar for flavor and Monterey Jack for creaminess. You can swap out the cheeses with Gouda, Colby Jack, or Swiss cheese depending on what you like or have on hand.
Cream Cheese: This adds extra creaminess to the sauce. If you want a lighter option, you can replace it with ricotta or omit it altogether; just adjust the other cheese quantities slightly.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These make for a crispy topping. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can work, but the texture won’t be quite as crunchy. You can also mix in some grated cheese with the breadcrumbs for added flavor!
How Do You Achieve the Creamiest Cheese Sauce?
Making a creamy cheese sauce can be tricky, but with these steps, you’ll nail it! The key is to make a smooth roux first and gradually add the milk and cream.
- Start by whisking melted butter and flour together over medium heat. This helps to avoid lumps. Cook it until it’s bubbly.
- Slowly add the milk and cream while whisking continuously. This ensures a lump-free sauce.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in your cheeses until melted. Aim for a smooth sauce for that creamy texture!
Remember, patience is key! Take your time, and taste the sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed for the best flavor.
Southern Baked Mac And Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe will take you about 10 minutes of preparation time and then about 30 minutes to bake, so you can break out in delicious aromas while it cooks. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes to have this cozy dish ready to serve! Perfect for a get-together or a comforting family meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease a large baking dish or a cast-iron skillet with some butter. This will help the mac and cheese not to stick and give it a nice flavor!
2. Cook the Macaroni:
In a big pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it until it’s just al dente— a little firmer than you would normally want, around 1-2 minutes less than the package says. After cooking, drain the macaroni and set it aside for later.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt your butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Make sure to keep whisking for about 2-3 minutes until it bubbles and turns a lovely light golden color.
4. Add the Milk and Cream:
Now, slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously. Keep cooking and stirring until your sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, roughly 5-7 minutes.
5. Mix in the Cheeses:
Take the saucepan off the heat and add the softened cream cheese. Stir until it’s smooth! Then, mix in the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses until they’re melted and nicely combined into that velvety sauce.
6. Season the Sauce:
It’s time to season! Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder if you’re using them. Give it a good taste and adjust as you need. We want a delicious flavor rockstar here!
7. Combine with Macaroni:
Gently fold the drained macaroni into the cheesy sauce until every little piece is coated in that gooey goodness.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish or skillet.
9. Add the Crunchy Topping:
Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a delicious crunch. For an extra touch, you can add a few small pieces of butter on top to make it even more golden and tasty!
10. Bake:
Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The aroma will be amazing—just wait!
11. Cool and Serve:
Once done, let your mac and cheese cool for about 5 minutes. This way, it’ll be easier to serve and eat. If you’d like, garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a lovely touch.
12. Enjoy!
Grab your spoon, dig in, and enjoy this creamy, cheesy Southern delight that everyone will love!
This recipe captures that rich, gooey texture with a beautifully browned, crunchy topping that makes Southern Baked Mac and Cheese an irresistible dish.
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as gluten-free pasta can sometimes cook quicker than regular pasta. Follow the package instructions for the best results!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, as it will be chilled when it goes in the oven.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Certainly! Feel free to add cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, or even some hot sauce for a bit of kick. Just remember to adjust the cheese quantity slightly if you’re adding substantial ingredients to keep the creamy texture!