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Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
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Experience the creamy, rich, and comforting classic Southern Baked Mac and Cheese. This dish features tender elbow macaroni in a luscious béchamel cheese sauce, baked to a golden, crunchy perfection. Perfect as a main course or a flavorful side, it brings warmth and soulful flavor to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
  • Optional: melted butter for toasting breadcrumbs
  • Optional: smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a gentle kick

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente; avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness after baking. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the Roux: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour (or gluten-free alternative) to form a smooth paste. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste without burning.
  3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Gradually add milk and heavy cream to the roux, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper until silky and flavorful.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large bowl, ensuring every piece is well coated. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish for even cooking and browning.
  5. Add Topping and Bake: Evenly sprinkle breadcrumbs on top; optionally, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter for extra crunch. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
  6. Rest Before Serving: Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set and make serving easier.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bold, authentic flavor.
  • Don’t skip the roux to avoid lumps and achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
  • Keep pasta slightly undercooked to prevent mushiness after baking.
  • Mix different cheeses like gruyère or Monterey Jack for enhanced creaminess and flavor.
  • Lightly toast breadcrumbs before topping for extra crunch and depth.
  • For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and add grated Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, comfort food, baked mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, Southern cuisine, gluten free mac and cheese, cheesy pasta bake

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