Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

why make this recipe

Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and happiness to any meal. Its creamy texture and rich cheese flavors make it a favorite for families and gatherings. This dish is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or simply as a cozy dinner at home. With its easy preparation, this recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it a reliable go-to option.

how to make Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients :

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cream cheese
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Stir in the flour until smooth and cook for about 1 minute.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain.
6. Cook until the mixture is thickened and bubbly.
7. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted.
8. Mix in cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until fully blended.
9. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
10. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and mix well.
11. Pour the macaroni mixture into a greased baking dish.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
13. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

how to serve Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is best served warm. You can place it on the dinner table as a side dish or main course. It pairs wonderfully with fried chicken, greens, or a fresh salad. For a little extra flavor, sprinkle some additional cheese or breadcrumbs on top before serving.

how to store Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

To store leftovers, let the macaroni and cheese cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, but it’s best to consume it within a month for optimal taste. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.

tips to make Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

• Use a combination of cheeses for a richer flavor.
• For a crispy topping, consider adding breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking.
• If you want to add some spice, throw in some jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce into the cheese sauce.
• Make sure to stir the cheese sauce well to keep it creamy and smooth.

variation

For a healthier twist, you can use whole wheat elbow macaroni and low-fat cheese. You can also add vegetables like broccoli or spinach to increase the nutritional value.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes in the oven cold.

3. What can I serve with Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese?
It goes well with fried chicken, barbecue ribs, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

A classic comfort food with a creamy texture and rich cheese flavors, perfect for families and gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Cheeses

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cream cheese

Sauce Ingredients

• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup butter Unsalted recommended
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Stir in the flour until smooth and cook for about 1 minute.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain.
6. Cook until the mixture is thickened and bubbly.
7. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted.
8. Mix in cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until fully blended.
9. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
10. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and mix well.
11. Pour the macaroni mixture into a greased baking dish.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
2. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
3. Serve warm.

Notes

For a crispy topping, consider adding breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking. Stir the cheese sauce well for a creamy texture.