This Southern Baked Mac And Cheese is warm, cheesy goodness! It’s made with gooey cheeses and a crispy topping that your taste buds will love. Perfect as a side or solo treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice, but you could use shells or cavatappi for a fun twist! They hold onto the cheese nicely too.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives great flavor. If you want a milder taste, choose medium cheddar. For a different texture, try Gruyère or Monterey Jack in place of processed cheese.
Processed Cheese: Velveeta adds creaminess. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using cream cheese or a dairy-free melt alternative.
Heavy Cream: For rich texture, but half-and-half works in a pinch. You can also use a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version!
Panko Breadcrumbs: They give a lovely crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers could work just fine!
How Do I Ensure My Cheese Sauce is Smooth?
The key to a silky cheese sauce is in making the roux and adding the milk gradually. Here’s how to do it:
- Melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour until bubbly but not browned. This forms the roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Cook until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
Taking your time ensures a creamy sauce! Also, adding cheeses gradually will keep it from clumping.
Southern Baked Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Macaroni:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup processed cheese (like Velveeta), cubed
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
For the Roux:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (plus extra for topping)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little Southern heat)
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake. Altogether, you’ll need about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare the Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter or grease a large baking dish or oven-safe skillet to ensure nothing sticks later on. You want your mac and cheese to come out nice and easily!
2. Cook the Macaroni:
Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until it is just al dente, which is about 1-2 minutes less than what the package suggests. Don’t worry—this will ensure it doesn’t get mushy in the oven! Drain the macaroni and set it aside for a moment.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook this mixture while whisking constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it’s bubbly and slightly golden, but not browned. This step adds richness to your cheese sauce!
4. Add Milk and Cream:
Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk to avoid any lumps. Cook and stir for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks creamy!
5. Season the Sauce:
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of spice, add cayenne pepper for that authentic Southern kick!
6. Combine the Cheese:
Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar and processed cheese cubes to the warm sauce, stirring until all the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. You’ll be amazed at how good this smells!
7. Mix in the Macaroni:
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is well-coated with that delicious cheese mixture.
8. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the cheesy macaroni into your prepared baking dish. If you want a nice crunch on top, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the macaroni. You can even mix them with a little melted butter for extra flavor!
9. Bake the Mac and Cheese:
Lightly sprinkle some extra smoked paprika on top for color and taste. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. This is when the magic happens!
10. Rest and Garnish:
After taking it out of the oven, let the dish rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps it set a bit. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley to make it look pretty!
Enjoy this Southern Baked Mac And Cheese with family and friends, and relish the creamy, cheesy goodness that’s perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, you can mix in other varieties like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even Gruyère for different flavors. Just make sure to use a good melting cheese for the best texture!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just cover it well. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Just be sure to check labels for any processed cheese you use as well!