Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

why make this recipe

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food that offers warmth and satisfaction with every creamy bite. It brings together rich cheeses and pasta in a delightful way that is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Making this recipe allows you to enjoy the homemade goodness that beats any store-bought version, and it’s easily customizable to suit your taste.

how to make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta noodles (elbow or rotini preferred)
• 7 tablespoons room temperature butter, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 1/2 cups half and half
• 1/4 cup whipped cream cheese
• 12 oz medium cheddar cheese, shredded (reserve 1 cup for topping)
• 8 oz Colby Jack cheese, shredded (reserve 1 cup for topping)
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded (reserve 1 cup for topping)
• 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 oz white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Shred all the cheeses and set aside 1 cup each of medium cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella for the topping.
3. Mince the garlic and divide the butter into two parts.
4. Boil the pasta until it is slightly less than al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
5. Pour the drained pasta into a greased 9×13 casserole dish and toss it with 2 tablespoons of butter.
6. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Whisk in the flour and continue stirring until golden, which should take about 2 minutes.
8. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, heavy cream, and half and half, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens, about 4 minutes.
9. Reduce the heat to low. Add the non-reserved cheeses one handful at a time, whisking until each handful is fully melted before adding more. Then whisk in the cream cheese, onion powder, paprika, and mustard powder until smooth.
10. Pour the cheese sauce over the buttered pasta and mix thoroughly. Top evenly with the reserved shredded cheeses for a crispy crust.
11. Bake for 10 minutes. Then switch your oven to broil and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
12. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 3-5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set up slightly for easier serving.

how to serve Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Serve Southern Baked Mac and Cheese hot from the oven. It makes a great main dish or a delicious side for roasted chicken, BBQ, or fried foods. Garnish with some fresh herbs if desired to add a pop of color.

how to store Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

To store leftovers, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. For better freshness, you can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to reheat it gently in the oven or microwave.

tips to make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

• Ensure your pasta is cooked slightly less than al dente for the best texture after baking.
• Use a mix of cheeses for more flavor; try adding gouda or pepper jack for a kick.
• To make it even richer, add some cooked bacon or breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
• Experiment with different spices to make the dish your own.

variation

You can switch up the noodles for gluten-free pasta or zoodles for a lighter version. Additionally, try different cheeses like gorgonzola or feta for unique flavors.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for a day before baking.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to mix different cheeses based on your preferences or what you have at home.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: You can reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Print Recipe

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A classic comfort food featuring rich cheeses and pasta, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

• Total Time: 30
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta noodles (elbow or rotini preferred)
• 7 tablespoons room temperature butter, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 1/2 cups half and half
• 1/4 cup whipped cream cheese
• 12 oz medium cheddar cheese, shredded (reserve 1 cup for topping)
• 8 oz Colby Jack cheese, shredded (reserve 1 cup for topping)
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded (reserve 1 cup for topping)
• 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 oz white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Shred all the cheeses and set aside 1 cup each of medium cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella for the topping.
3. Mince the garlic and divide the butter into two parts.
4. Boil the pasta until it is slightly less than al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
5. Pour the drained pasta into a greased 9×13 casserole dish and toss it with 2 tablespoons of butter.
6. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
7. Whisk in the flour and continue stirring until golden, about 2 minutes.
8. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, heavy cream, and half and half, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens, about 4 minutes.
9. Reduce the heat to low. Add the non-reserved cheeses one handful at a time, whisking until melted before adding more. Whisk in the cream cheese, onion powder, paprika, and mustard powder until smooth.
10. Pour the cheese sauce over the buttered pasta and mix thoroughly. Top evenly with reserved shredded cheeses.
11. Bake for 10 minutes. Then switch your oven to broil and cook for an additional 5 minutes until top is golden and crispy.
12. Remove from the oven and let cool for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Allow cooling slightly before serving to let the sauce set up. For added flavor, consider different cheese combinations.

• Author: a-juana-m-benedict
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 15
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked macaroni, comfort food

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