Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

why make this recipe

Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any meal. This dish is known for its creamy texture and rich flavors, making it a perfect choice for gatherings, family dinners, or just a cozy night at home. Everyone loves a cheesy goodness, and this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

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. Stir in the flour until smooth and cook for about 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook until the mixture is thickened and bubbly.
5. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Then mix in cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until fully blended.
6. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
7. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and mix well.
8. Pour the macaroni mixture into a greased baking dish.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

how to serve Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Serve this delicious Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese as a main dish or a side dish. It pairs wonderfully with fried chicken, barbecue, or a fresh garden salad. For an added touch, you can sprinkle some extra cheese or breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crispy layer.

how to store Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

To store leftovers, let the macaroni and cheese cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

tips to make Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

• For a creamier texture, you can use half and half instead of milk.
• Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors.
• Adding cooked bacon or ham can give this dish an extra savory kick.
• Make sure to stir the cheese sauce well to ensure everything melts smoothly.

variation

You can add vegetables like broccoli or spinach to the dish for added nutrition. For a spicy version, consider adding jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.

2. How can I make this dish healthier?
You can use low-fat cheese and replace some of the cheese with cooked vegetables.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it right before serving!

Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

A classic comfort food known for its creamy texture and rich flavors, perfect for gatherings and family dinners.

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: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta

• 2 cups elbow macaroni Cook according to package instructions.

Cheeses

• 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 Base

• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup butter Melted.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Seasonings

• 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.

Making the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the flour until smooth and cook for about 1 minute.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook until the mixture is thickened and bubbly.
4. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted.
5. Mix in cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until fully blended.
6. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Combining and Baking

1. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and mix well.
2. Pour the macaroni mixture into a greased baking dish.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
4. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve as a main or side dish. It pairs wonderfully with fried chicken or barbecue. For a crispy layer, sprinkle extra cheese or breadcrumbs on top before baking.