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Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 66 reviews

This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish featuring tender elbow macaroni baked in a velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, this classic recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures, making it a beloved staple in Southern cuisine.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Topping

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumb

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  3. Add milk to create béchamel sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, continuing to stir to prevent lumps. Cook the sauce until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, usually around 5-7 minutes.
  4. Incorporate cheese and seasonings: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to combine all flavors.
  5. Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Add the drained elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure all pasta is well coated.
  6. Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs on top to create a crunchy crust.
  7. Bake the mac and cheese: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
  8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • For extra richness, you can mix different types of cheeses such as Gruyère or mozzarella.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
  • Use fresh breadcrumbs if you don’t have panko for a different texture.
  • Make sure to stir the roux constantly to prevent lumps and burning.
  • Macaroni can be cooked one minute less than package instructions for a firmer bite after baking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

Keywords: Southern baked mac and cheese, classic mac and cheese, baked pasta casserole, cheddar mac and cheese, comfort food recipe

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