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Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

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  • Author: Kim Cooks Easy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Southern, American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is rich, creamy, and full of cheesy goodness with a crispy, golden topping. Made with a blend of cheeses, a creamy homemade sauce, and baked to perfection, it’s the ultimate comfort food for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any time you need a hearty side dish.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • :
  • For the Mac and Cheese:
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional, for flavor boost)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • For the Topping:
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

  • :
  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
  • Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
  • Season and Melt Cheese: Add salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. Stir until combined. Reduce heat to low, then gradually stir in shredded cheeses (reserving some for the topping), mixing until melted and smooth.
  • Combine with Pasta: Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Add Topping: Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese over the top. For a crispy topping, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
  • Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
  • Serve: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Notes

  • :
  • Use block cheese and shred it yourself for the creamiest mac and cheese (pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that affect texture).
  • Try adding cooked bacon, hot sauce, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
  • For a richer taste, substitute some of the milk with evaporated milk.

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~450
  • Sodium: ~600mg
  • Fat: ~24g
  • Saturated Fat: ~14g
  • Protein: ~18g
  • Cholesterol: ~60mg

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