This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is a warm, cheesy hug in a dish! Creamy noodles swim in a rich cheese sauce, all baked to perfection with a golden top.
Who can resist that crunchy, cheesy goodness? It’s the ultimate comfort food to enjoy on cozy nights or gatherings! I love serving it with a side of veggies to balance it out! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for mac and cheese, elbow macaroni holds sauce well. If you want to mix it up, feel free to use shells, penne, or corkscrew pasta as a fun alternative.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a robust flavor. If you need a milder taste, try medium cheddar, or for something different, use gouda or pepper jack for extra flavor!
Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese adds creaminess. You can substitute with fontina or mozzarella for a similar meltiness but a slightly different flavor profile.
Heavy Cream: For richness, heavy cream is key. Whole milk can work too, but you’ll sacrifice some creaminess. Evaporated milk is another great substitute that adds richness without extra fat.
Panko Breadcrumbs: I love using panko for a crunchy topping! If you want a gluten-free version, try crushed gluten-free crackers or simply skip the topping altogether!
How Do I Make a Creamy Cheese Sauce?
A creamy cheese sauce is the heart of your mac and cheese. Here’s how to make it perfectly:
- Make a Roux: Start by melting butter, then whisk in flour. This thickens the sauce – cook for about 2 minutes until golden.
- Add Liquid Slowly: Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Mixing slowly helps prevent lumps, ensuring a smoother sauce.
- Thickening Time: Keep stirring as it cooks for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats your spoon.
Remember not to rush this part! A well-made sauce is the key to a delicious mac and cheese!
What’s the Best Way to Bake Mac and Cheese?
Baking your mac and cheese gives it that irresistible golden crust. Here are my tips:
- Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is at 350°F before you start baking.
- Bake Uncovered: Leaving it uncovered helps the top get crispy. Covering it would steam it instead!
- Watch the Time: Aim for a bake of 25-30 minutes. Look for a bubbly, golden top to know it’s done.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set a little – it makes for easier serving!
How to Make Southern Baked Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
Cheeses:
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
For the Sauce:
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder (optional)
For the Finishing Touch:
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for breadcrumb topping, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Southern Baked Mac and Cheese will take about 15 minutes to prep and an additional 30 minutes to bake. It’s easy and perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pasta:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot of salted water, bring it to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until it’s al dente, which means it will be firm to the bite (about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Let it cook for about 2 minutes while stirring constantly until it begins to bubble and turns a light golden color.
3. Add Milk and Cream:
Now, slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream. Be sure to blend well to avoid any lumps. Keep cooking this mixture while whisking constantly until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season and Add Cheese:
Turn the heat down low, and stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you’re using it), mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove the sauce from the heat and gradually add 3 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese along with the Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
5. Add Egg and Combine with Pasta:
To make the sauce creamy, gently temper the beaten egg by slowly adding a few spoonfuls of the warm cheese sauce into it while whisking constantly. Then mix the tempered egg back into the cheese sauce. Now, fold in the cooked pasta until it’s evenly coated with that delicious cheese mixture.
6. Assemble in Baking Dish:
Next, pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Take the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the top to create that melty layer!
7. Add Topping (Optional):
If you enjoy a crunchy topping, combine the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer for a delightful crispiness!
8. Bake:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the dish in the oven uncovered and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The aroma will be amazing!
9. Serve:
Let your delicious Southern Baked Mac and Cheese cool for about 5 minutes before serving it warm. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness that is sure to be a hit!
This recipe will give you a rich and creamy mac and cheese with a perfectly browned crust, making it a true Southern comfort food classic!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use shells, penne, or even cavatappi for a lovely twist. Just make sure the pasta can hold onto the cheese sauce well!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the mac and cheese mixture the day before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What Are Some Storage Tips for Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the cayenne pepper entirely or reduce the amount according to your taste. You can also leave out the smoked paprika if you want to tone down the flavor profile!