This Southern-style baked mac and cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort food that is perfect for gatherings or family dinners. With a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy ingredients, it offers a rich flavor that everyone will love.
The recipe is simple to follow and can be customized with your favorite cheeses or added ingredients like bacon or breadcrumbs for extra texture.
Classic Southern Baked Mac & Cheese
This dish is a staple in Southern cuisine, known for its creamy texture and rich flavors.
The combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella creates a cheese sauce that envelops each piece of macaroni, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
The crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch, contrasting beautifully with the smoothness of the cheese sauce.
Ingredients Overview
To prepare this Southern-style baked mac and cheese, you’ll need a few essential ingredients.
Elbow macaroni forms the base of the dish, while butter and flour create a roux for the cheese sauce.
Milk, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella provide the creamy, cheesy goodness that makes this dish irresistible.
Seasonings like salt, black pepper, and paprika enhance the flavor, and optional breadcrumbs can be added for texture.
Preparation Steps
The preparation begins with cooking the elbow macaroni until it reaches an al dente texture.
While the pasta cooks, a cheese sauce is made by melting butter and whisking in flour, followed by milk until it thickens.
Once the sauce is ready, the cheeses are stirred in until melted, creating a velvety mixture that will coat the macaroni.
Baking to Perfection
After combining the macaroni with the cheese sauce, the mixture is transferred to a greased baking dish.
If desired, a topping of breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter can be sprinkled on top for added crunch.
Baking in a preheated oven allows the dish to become bubbly and golden, creating a mouthwatering appearance.
Serving Suggestions
This baked mac and cheese is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or as a comforting side dish.
Serve it warm, straight from the oven, with a wooden spoon ready for scooping.
Pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the cheese.
Variations and Customizations
One of the great aspects of this recipe is its versatility.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as gouda or pepper jack, for a unique twist.
Adding cooked bacon or vegetables can also enhance the dish, making it even more satisfying and flavorful.
Classic Southern Baked Mac & Cheese
This baked mac and cheese features elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, topped with a crispy layer of breadcrumbs. The dish takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add Topping: If using, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
