Cheesy Southern Baked Macaroni – Delicious and Easy Recipe

Welcome to a culinary experience that goes beyond your ordinary mac and cheese – introducing the legendary Southern Baked Mac and Cheese! This recipe is a game-changer, featuring a lusciously creamy base bursting with the richness of five different cheeses. The magic doesn’t stop there; a crispy, golden topping takes it to the next level of cheese heaven. This dish is not just food; it’s an event, making grown adults literally fight over the last spoonful at family gatherings.

Crafted from a blend of indulgent cheeses like medium cheddar, Colby Jack, mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and white cheddar, this mac and cheese is a showstopper that even grandma approves of. Ditch the pre-shredded cheese for a velvety smooth texture that will have everyone begging for seconds. Elevate your dining experience by customizing with bacon, ham, or lobster, adding a hint of jalapeños for a kick, or trying different cheese combinations for a unique twist.

Whether served as a main dish or as a side to your favorite Southern fare, this *Southern Baked Mac and Cheese* is a labor of love that brings families together. The best part? You can prepare it in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify overnight for an even more delectable meal. Get ready to create a tradition in your own home with this iconic dish that embodies the essence of comfort and culinary delight.

Quick Benefits

• Creamy, extra-saucy base loaded with five different cheeses
• Perfect balance of richness that can be enjoyed as a main dish or alongside other Southern-style meals
• Customizable with additions like bacon, ham, lobster, or jalapeños for added flavor and variety
• Ideal for meal planning and entertaining as it can be assembled ahead and refrigerated, with flavors improving over time

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Southern Baked Macaroni – Delicious and Easy Recipe Recipe

• Creamy and Cheesy Goodness: This mac and cheese recipe boasts a creamy, extra-saucy base loaded with five different cheeses, ensuring a rich and indulgent flavor experience.
• Crispy, Golden Topping: The dish is topped with a crispy, golden layer that elevates the texture and taste to a whole new level, making it a true cheese lover’s dream.
• Family Favorite: Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, this recipe has the power to bring people together and create lasting memories, as evidenced by grown adults literally fighting over the last scoop.
• Versatile Customization: Add bacon, ham, lobster, or jalapeños to customize and elevate the dish, making it a versatile option for various occasions and preferences.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Ideal for meal planning or entertaining, you can assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify for even better taste.
• Traditional Yet Adaptable: While it’s a Southern classic, this mac and cheese recipe is versatile enough to complement a range of main dishes and beverages, making it suitable for various dining settings.

Ingredients for Cheesy Southern Baked Macaroni – Delicious and Easy Recipe

Main ingredients

• ½ cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3½ cups half and half
• 1 pound pasta noodles (elbow or rotini preferred)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup whipped cream cheese
• 7 tablespoons room temperature butter, divided
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

Cheese blend

• 4 oz white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded (reserve 1 cup for topping)
• 8 oz Colby Jack cheese, shredded (reserve 1 cup for topping)
• 12 oz medium cheddar cheese, shredded (reserve 1 cup for topping)
• 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Seasonings

• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

How to Make Cheesy Southern Baked Macaroni – Delicious and Easy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare ingredients and oven

Preheat oven to 425°F. Grate all cheeses, reserving 1 cup each of medium cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella for the topping. Finely chop garlic and portion out butter.

Step 2: Cook the pasta

Cook pasta until slightly undercooked. Before draining, save ½ cup of pasta water. Transfer drained pasta to a greased 9×13 casserole dish and mix with 2 tablespoons of butter.

Step 3: Start the cheese sauce

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Make the roux

Whisk flour into the pan and cook until golden, approximately 2 minutes. Gradually add pasta water, heavy cream, and half and half while whisking constantly until thickened, around 4 minutes.

Step 5: Melt the cheeses

Lower the heat to low. Gradually add the remaining cheeses one handful at a time, whisking until melted before adding more. Stir in cream cheese, onion powder, paprika, and mustard powder until smooth.

Step 6: Combine and top

Drizzle the cheese sauce over the buttered pasta and toss to combine. Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheeses evenly on top for a crispy crust.

Step 7: Bake until crispy

Bake for 10 minutes, then broil for 5 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 8: Cool and serve

Take out of the oven and allow to cool for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to slightly thicken for easier serving.

Storage Tips

Once the Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is cooked and you have leftovers, it’s important to store it properly to maintain its flavor and texture. You can refrigerate the leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it has cooled down to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation in the container, which can make the dish soggy.

If you plan to store the mac and cheese for a longer period or want to freeze it, you can tightly wrap the dish in plastic wrap or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Properly stored, this mac and cheese can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy the frozen mac and cheese, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it in the oven or microwave. Note that freezing and reheating may alter the texture slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to customize this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe with different cheeses, feel free to experiment with your favorites or what you have on hand. Gouda, fontina, or gruyere can be great substitutes or additions to the cheese blend. These cheeses will still melt well and contribute to the creamy texture of the dish.

For a lighter version of this rich mac and cheese, you can make a few ingredient substitutions. Instead of heavy cream, you could use whole milk or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt for a creamy base with less fat. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of butter used or swap it with a lighter option like olive oil for a healthier twist on this classic comfort food. This way, you can enjoy a delicious mac and cheese with a slightly lighter feel while still savoring the cheesy goodness and creamy texture that makes this dish so beloved.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try serving this indulgent Southern baked mac and cheese in individual mini cast iron skillets. The personal-sized portions not only look charming but also help create a fun and interactive dining experience for your guests. Top each skillet with a sprinkle of reserved shredded cheese before baking to achieve that irresistible crispy, golden crust that everyone loves.

To take this dish to the next level, consider setting up a DIY mac and cheese bar at your next gathering. Provide a variety of mix-ins like cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and roasted cherry tomatoes for guests to customize their mac and cheese creations. Display different cheese options, from Gruyère to Gouda, for a gourmet twist. This interactive setup will not only delight your guests but also allow them to tailor their dish to their liking, making it a memorable and delicious experience for all.

FAQs for Cheesy Southern Baked Macaroni – Delicious and Easy Recipe

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this Southern baked mac and cheese?

Using pre-shredded cheese is not recommended for this recipe as it can result in a grainy texture. Freshly shredded cheese will melt more smoothly and create the desired creamy sauce.

Can I make this Southern baked mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to the point of baking and refrigerate it overnight. If baking from cold, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time. The flavors actually improve after sitting, making it great for meal planning.

What are some variations I can try with this mac and cheese recipe?

You can customize this dish by adding cooked bacon, ham, lobster, or jalapeños for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different cheese combinations based on your preferences or what you have available.

What are some recommended side dishes and beverages to serve with this Southern baked mac and cheese?

This mac and cheese pairs well with barbecue, fried chicken, or any Southern-style meal. To balance out the richness, serve it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Traditional sweet tea is a great beverage option, but cold beer or wine also complement the dish nicely.

Conclusion

I hope this journey of mastering the art of Southern Baked Mac and Cheese has brought as much joy and warmth to your kitchen as it has to mine. There’s something truly special about a dish that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also brings people together, creating lasting memories and traditions.

So, keep shredding that fresh cheese, experimenting with different add-ins, and sharing this soul-warming dish with your loved ones. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is sure to steal the show and become a beloved classic in your home. Embrace the cheesy goodness, savor every bite, and let the magic of this iconic comfort food fill your heart and soul. Happy cooking, and may your Southern Baked Mac and Cheese always be a beacon of love and togetherness in your kitchen.