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Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
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Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is a classic Southern comfort food featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a creamy, luscious cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and complementary cheeses. It is topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust that adds an irresistible texture contrast, perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts with rich, hearty flavors and authentic Southern warmth.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • Elbow macaroni – 12 ounces

Cheese Sauce

  • Sharp cheddar cheese – 3 cups shredded
  • Milk – 2 cups
  • Heavy cream – 1 cup
  • Butter – 4 tablespoons (divided)
  • All-purpose flour – 1/4 cup

Topping

  • Breadcrumbs (panko or regular) – 1 cup
  • Butter – 2 tablespoons (melted, for breadcrumbs)

Spices

  • Smoked paprika – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Garlic powder – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling the elbow macaroni in well-salted water until just al dente to ensure it remains tender but not mushy after baking.
  2. Make the Roux: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbly and golden, forming the base of your creamy cheese sauce.
  3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, cooking until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and any additional cheeses until melted and smooth.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and thoroughly mix it with the cheese sauce to coat every noodle with cheesy goodness.
  5. Assemble and Top: Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Toss the breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the top to create a crunchy topping.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until the dish is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown.

Notes

  • Al Dente is Key: Slightly undercook your pasta so it doesn’t turn mushy after baking.
  • Low and Slow Cheese Melting: Melt cheese off the heat to prevent graininess in your sauce.
  • Buttered Breadcrumbs: Toss breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling to get an evenly crisp, golden crust.
  • Use Sharp Cheddar: It adds depth and boldness that mild cheeses can’t replicate.
  • Let it Rest: Cool mac and cheese for 5 minutes after baking to let the sauce thicken and settle.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, comfort food, baked mac and cheese, creamy cheese sauce, crispy breadcrumb topping, Southern cuisine

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/southern-baked-mac-and-cheese/