Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food with our Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe. This classic dish is a staple in Southern cuisine, loved for its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and irresistible flavor. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, potluck, or simply craving some hearty comfort food, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Join us as we take you through the steps to creating a mouthwatering mac and cheese that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden brown and fragrant.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
- Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyere cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until well combined and evenly coated.
- Bake: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Additions: Customize your mac and cheese by adding cooked bacon, diced ham, sautéed vegetables, or a sprinkle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or mustard powder to enhance the flavor profile of your mac and cheese.
- Crumb Topping: Instead of breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips for added crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses to create your own unique blend. Sharp cheddar, Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese are all great options.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it, unbaked, until ready to use. Simply cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator, uncover, and bake as directed.
- How do I reheat leftovers? To reheat leftovers, place the mac and cheese in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high in 1-minute intervals until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed to your liking.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
For a keto or low-carb version of Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, substitute the elbow macaroni with cooked cauliflower florets or shirataki noodles. Use almond flour or coconut flour as a thickener for the cheese sauce instead of all-purpose flour. Replace the breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for the topping.
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that never fails to delight. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s a dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether served as a side dish or the main attraction, this classic recipe is perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a taste of Southern hospitality with this delicious mac and cheese!
