Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe stands out for its creamy texture and cheesy flavor. It's made from scratch, avoiding processed cheeses, and offers a golden, crispy topping that's irresistible. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 cups uncooked pasta

• 6 tablespoons butter

• 6 tablespoons flour

• 1½ cups milk

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

• 4 cups shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. Grease a 9” x 13” casserole dish and set aside.

3. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. In a large stockpot, melt the butter over medium heat.

5. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes.

6. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickened.

7. Stir in 3 cups of the shredded cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.

8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat.

10. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.

11. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top.

12. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.

• Breadcrumb Topping: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top before baking for a crunchy finish.

• Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheeses like Gouda, Fontina, or Pepper Jack for unique flavors.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

• Freezing: Freeze cooled mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

How can I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce's texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the mac and cheese, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What type of pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but other short pasta shapes like cavatappi, penne, or shells can also be used.

Is it necessary to use both milk and heavy cream?

Using both provides a richer, creamier sauce. However, you can use all milk or all cream based on your preference and dietary needs.

How do I get a crispy topping?

Sprinkle extra cheese or buttered breadcrumbs on top before baking to achieve a golden, crispy crust.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, adding cooked vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or peas can enhance the nutritional value and add flavor.

What cheeses melt best for this recipe?

Cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack melt well and provide a creamy texture. Avoid aged or hard cheeses that don't melt smoothly.

How do I make the dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend when making the roux.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Adjust the baking time as needed to ensure it's heated through.

How do I know when it's done baking?

The mac and cheese is done when the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling around the edges.

Conclusion

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is a timeless comfort food that's perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a favorite among both kids and adults. Whether you're serving it at a holiday gathering or as a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy.

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This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is a rich, creamy comfort dish made with a homemade cheese sauce and a golden, crispy topping. Perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 4 cups uncooked pasta
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 6 tablespoons flour
• 1½ cups milk
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 cups shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Grease a 9” x 13” casserole dish and set aside.
3. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large stockpot, melt butter over medium heat.
5. Whisk in flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
6. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth and thickened.
7. Stir in 3 cups of shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Combine pasta with cheese sauce, mixing well.
10. Pour into prepared casserole dish and top with remaining 1 cup of cheese.
11. Bake for 35 minutes, until top is golden and bubbly.

Notes

• Add jalapeños or cayenne for a spicy version.
• Use buttered breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
• Try different cheeses like Gouda or Fontina for unique flavors.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 17g
• Cholesterol: 75mg