Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese! This dish is the epitome of creamy, cheesy goodness that just warms your soul. I remember the first time I had it at my grandma’s house—she would whip up a big, bubbling dish every Sunday, and the smell alone was enough to make my mouth water! The moment I took my first bite, I was hooked; it was like a warm hug on a chilly day. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of digging into a plate of this mac and cheese, with its gooey cheese pulling apart in glorious strands. Whether it’s a family gathering or just a cozy night in, this dish never fails to bring everyone to the table, smiling and ready for seconds!
Ingredients for Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
To make this creamy Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create a deliciously cheesy dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
2 cups elbow macaroni (cooked according to package instructions)
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I love using sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor!)
2 cups milk (whole milk makes it extra creamy)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted, because buttery goodness is essential)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (this helps thicken your cheese sauce)
1/2 teaspoon salt (to enhance all those flavors)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for a little kick)
1/4 teaspoon paprika (adds a nice touch of warmth)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for that perfect crunchy topping)
Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to creating a dish that everyone will love!
Alright, let’s get cooking! This process is super simple and oh-so-rewarding. Just follow these steps, and soon you’ll be enjoying a comforting dish of Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese!
Preheat and Cook
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, so it holds up when we bake it later! Once done, drain the macaroni and set it aside. You can even give it a little rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process if you like, but it’s not a must. Just make sure it’s ready to go when we need it!
Make the Cheese Sauce
Next, grab a saucepan and melt your ½ cup of butter over medium heat. As it’s melting, whisk in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of paprika. You’ll want to stir this mixture until it’s nice and smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Now, gradually pour in 2 cups of milk while stirring constantly. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens—this should take around 5-7 minutes. Once it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, add in 3 cups of your shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s all melted and gooey. Oh, that smell is heavenly!
Combine and Bake
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Combine the cooked macaroni with your dreamy cheese sauce, making sure every noodle is coated in that cheesy goodness. Pour this mixture into a greased baking dish, and here’s where the magic happens: sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs on top. This will give you that glorious crunchy topping we all love! Bake it in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until it’s golden and bubbly. Trust me, you’ll want to pull it out just when it starts to bubble over—oh, the excitement!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this comforting dish ready to bake!
Creamy Texture: The combination of melted cheese and creamy sauce creates a luscious mouthfeel that’s simply irresistible.
Nostalgic Flavors: Every bite takes me back to my grandma’s kitchen, filled with warmth and love—perfect for family gatherings.
Customizable: You can easily add your favorite mix-ins, like crispy bacon or sautéed veggies, to make it your own!
Feed a Crowd: This recipe yields six generous servings, making it perfect for potlucks or cozy dinners with friends.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love it, and I bet they’ll be asking for seconds—or thirds!
Tips for Success
To make your Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese truly unforgettable, here are some pro tips that I swear by! First, definitely use sharp cheddar cheese—it’s got that bold flavor that elevates the dish to another level. You can also mix in a blend of cheeses, like mozzarella for extra stretchiness or gouda for a smoky twist. Don’t be shy with the spices! A pinch of cayenne pepper or garlic powder can add a lovely depth of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some cooked bacon bits or sautéed veggies like spinach or bell peppers for a little extra texture and taste. And remember, let it rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set up nicely, making it easier to serve. Trust me, these little tweaks will take your mac and cheese to the next level!
Variations of Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
If you’re looking to mix things up with your Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese, I’ve got some delicious ideas for you! One of my favorites is adding crispy bacon or diced ham for a savory twist that really amps up the flavor. You could also throw in some sautéed veggies like broccoli, spinach, or even roasted red peppers for a touch of color and nutrition—plus, it tastes amazing! Another fun variation is to experiment with different cheeses; try a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella for that ultimate gooeyness, or even add some pepper jack for a spicy kick! And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not toss in some buffalo sauce for a zesty, bold flavor? The possibilities are endless, and I guarantee each variation will bring a new twist to this classic comfort dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk leftovers! If you happen to have any of this delicious Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese left (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), you’ll want to store it properly to keep that cheesy goodness intact. First, let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tight so it doesn’t dry out!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the mac and cheese in a baking dish, and cover it with foil to retain moisture. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you want to revive that crispy topping, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking. You’ll be amazed at how delicious it tastes, just like the first time!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional info for this delightful Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese! Each serving, which is about 1 cup, packs in approximately 350 calories, with 20 grams of fat and 15 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 30 grams of carbohydrates and 6 grams of sugar in there. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use—like the type of cheese or whether you add any delicious mix-ins. So, while it’s a comfort food classic, it’s good to be aware of what’s going into your dish!
FAQ about Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you love, like shells, penne, or even cavatappi. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare everything up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just pop it in the oven—no need to thaw!
What if I don’t have breadcrumbs? No worries! You can skip them or use crushed crackers, panko, or even crushed cornflakes as a substitute. They’ll still give you that lovely crunch on top!
Is it okay to freeze leftovers? Definitely! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed.
How do I spice it up? If you like a little heat, try adding cayenne pepper or jalapeños to the cheese sauce. You can also mix in some hot sauce for a zesty kick—yum!
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