Southern-style Baked Mac and Cheese recipe that's creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting. Perfect for a cozy night in or a potluck gathering!

If you're looking for a comfort food that will make your taste buds dance, then look no further than this Baked Mac and Cheese Southern recipe. This classic dish is a staple in Southern cuisine and for good reason. It's creamy, cheesy, and oh so satisfying. Plus, it's easy to make and perfect for any occasion. To get started, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and bring a large pot of water to a boil. From there, follow these simple instructions and get ready to indulge in a dish that's sure to become a family favorite!

Introduction

Mac and cheese is a popular dish that everyone loves. It's easy to make, delicious, and comforting. If you're looking for a classic Southern recipe for baked mac and cheese, you've come to the right place. This recipe is perfect for any occasion and will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you'll need:

16 oz elbow macaroni
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
3 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the macaroni

Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the cheese sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until it's smooth. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 3: Add the milk and seasonings

Gradually whisk in the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and ground nutmeg. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, whisking occasionally.

Step 4: Add the cheese

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until it's melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine the macaroni and cheese sauce

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until it's well coated.

Step 6: Bake the mac and cheese

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs over the top of the mac and cheese.

Step 7: Bake the mac and cheese

Bake the mac and cheese for 25-30 minutes or until it's golden brown and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the baked mac and cheese hot and enjoy! You can serve it as a main dish or as a side dish. It pairs well with fried chicken, BBQ ribs, or grilled veggies.

Tips

Here are some tips to make the best baked mac and cheese:

Use whole milk to make the cheese sauce. It will make it richer and creamier.
Grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese. It will melt better and have a better texture.
Add some bacon bits or chopped jalapeños for extra flavor and heat.
If you want to make the mac and cheese ahead of time, assemble it but don't bake it. Cover it with foil and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you're ready to bake it, remove the foil and bake it as directed.

Conclusion

This Southern recipe for baked mac and cheese is easy to make and delicious. It's perfect for any occasion and will satisfy your comfort food cravings. Give it a try and let us know what you think!

Baked Mac And Cheese Southern Recipe

Preparing the Oven

To start, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. This will ensure that your dish bakes evenly and comes out perfectly crispy on top.

Cooking the Pasta

Next, it's time to cook the pasta. Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook until it is al dente. This should take around 8-10 minutes. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse it with cold water. This will stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.

Making the Cheese Sauce

Now it's time to make the cheese sauce. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly. Slowly whisk in milk until the mixture is smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes. This will thicken the sauce and ensure that it coats the pasta perfectly.

Incorporating the Spices

Once the sauce has thickened, it's time to add the spices. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cajun seasoning to the sauce and stir well. This will give the dish a Southern twist and add some extra flavor.

Adding the Cheese

Now it's time to add the cheese. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese, reserving some of the cheddar to sprinkle on top later. The cheese will melt into the sauce and create a rich and creamy texture.

Mixing the Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix well. This will ensure that every piece of pasta is coated in the delicious cheese sauce.

Transferring to a Baking Dish

Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish. A 9x13 inch baking dish works well for this recipe. Make sure to spread the pasta and sauce out evenly so that it bakes evenly.

Sprinkling the Cheese on Top

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the pasta. This will create a crispy and cheesy crust on top of the dish.

Baking the Dish

Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Serving and Enjoying!

Once the dish is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or potluck and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy your delicious Southern-style baked mac and cheese!

As a lover of Southern cuisine, I've always been drawn to the rich and comforting flavors of Baked Mac and Cheese. This classic dish is a staple in many Southern households and is often served at family gatherings and holiday dinners. Over the years, I've tried countless variations of this beloved dish, but nothing quite compares to the Baked Mac and Cheese Southern Recipe that I discovered a few years ago.

The key to making this dish stand out from the rest is the use of high-quality cheeses and a homemade breadcrumb topping. The combination of sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan creates a rich and creamy base that is perfectly complemented by the crispy topping. Here are the instructions for making this delicious Baked Mac and Cheese Southern Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 pound elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
Gradually whisk in the milk, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
Stir in the cooked macaroni and mix well until the macaroni is fully coated with the cheese sauce.
Pour the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, parsley, and olive oil until well combined. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

The tone of this recipe is warm and inviting, as if the writer is sharing a family recipe passed down through generations. The use of bullet points and numbering makes the recipe easy to follow and ensures that each step is clear and concise. Overall, this Baked Mac and Cheese Southern Recipe is sure to become a favorite among anyone who tries it.

Thank you for visiting our blog today! We hope you found our Baked Mac and Cheese Southern Recipe instructions helpful and easy to follow.

If you're looking for a comforting and delicious meal, this recipe is the perfect option. It's creamy, cheesy, and has a bit of a kick thanks to the cayenne pepper. Plus, it's simple to prepare and can easily feed a crowd.

Remember, you can always customize this recipe to your liking. Add in some extra spices or throw in some bacon for an added crunch. Don't be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

We hope you enjoyed making this Baked Mac and Cheese Southern Recipe as much as we did. Be sure to check out more of our recipes and tips for cooking success. Happy cooking!

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People also ask about Baked Mac And Cheese Southern Recipe:

What are the ingredients for baked mac and cheese southern recipe?

To make baked mac and cheese southern recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

1 pound elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

How do you make baked mac and cheese southern style?

To make baked mac and cheese southern style, follow these instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until light brown in color.
Gradually whisk in milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Cook, whisking constantly, until mixture comes to a boil and thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and stir in 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
Transfer macaroni and cheese to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the macaroni and cheese.
Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top of the cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Can you make baked mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can make baked mac and cheese ahead of time. To do this, prepare the macaroni and cheese as directed, but don't bake it. Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you're ready to bake it, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking it according to the recipe instructions.