Southern Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival Southern Baked Mac and Cheese. This creamy, cheesy casserole is an instant classic. It's an especially popular dish for special occasions. Whether you're serving it up for a holiday dinner or a summer backyard barbecue, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's easy to make and can be made ahead of time.
This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe will quickly become a family favorite. It's made with a combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, giving it a unique flavor. The recipe also calls for a bit of dry mustard, which adds a nice depth of flavor. We also like to sprinkle a bit of paprika on top for a bit of color.
The key to making the best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is to use high-quality ingredients. We recommend using a good-quality cheddar cheese and a high-quality pasta. For the pasta, we like to use elbow macaroni. It has a nice texture that pairs well with the creamy cheese sauce. You can also use other types of pasta, such as penne or shells.
To make this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe, start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. While the macaroni is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and stir until it forms a paste. Next, add the milk, dry mustard, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth. Add the cheese and stir until melted. Finally, add the cooked macaroni and stir until everything is combined.
Once the macaroni and cheese mixture is prepared, pour it into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top with a bit of paprika, if desired. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Here are a few tips for making the best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese:
- Use high-quality cheese. We recommend using a combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- Use a good-quality pasta. We like to use elbow macaroni, but you can also use other types of pasta, such as penne or shells.
- For an extra bit of flavor, add a bit of dry mustard to the cheese sauce.
- For a bit of color, sprinkle a bit of paprika on top of the mac and cheese.
- If you're in a rush, you can make this recipe ahead of time and bake it when you're ready to serve it.
Serving Suggestions
This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is a great side dish for a variety of meals. It pairs especially well with BBQ and roasted meats. We also like to serve it with a salad for a complete meal. For a special treat, serve it with a dollop of sour cream on top.
Variations
This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is a great base recipe. You can get creative and add additional ingredients to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
- For extra flavor, add a bit of diced onion or garlic to the cheese sauce.
- Add a cup of cooked, chopped bacon to the macaroni and cheese mixture before baking.
- For a bit of crunch, sprinkle some crushed potato chips on top before baking.
- For a bit of heat, add a bit of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
Storing and Reheating
This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the desired amount in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
Conclusion
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is an classic comfort food dish. It's cheesy, creamy, and flavorful, and can be made ahead of time. This recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Plus, you can customize it with different ingredients to make it your own. Try this recipe today and see why it's a Southern favorite!