Name: Easy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 8 tablespoons butter, divided; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups milk; 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Alright, y’all, let’s talk comfort food! I’m so excited to share my family’s favorite southern baked mac and cheese recipe with you. There’s just something so incredibly satisfying about a cheesy, bubbly casserole, isn’t there? Especially when it’s made with love and a whole lot of cheese!

I remember the first time I attempted to make southern baked mac and cheese recipe from scratch. It was a complete disaster! The sauce was grainy, the noodles were mushy, and my kids refused to even try it. I was so discouraged, but I knew I had to master this classic dish.

So, I started experimenting, tweaking, and asking my grandma for tips. After countless attempts and a few kitchen mishaps (burnt cheese, anyone?), I finally perfected what I consider to be the ultimate southern baked mac and cheese recipe. And trust me, this southern baked mac and cheese recipe is worth all the effort. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has that perfect crispy top that everyone fights over.

What makes this southern baked mac and cheese recipe so special? It’s the combination of cheeses – a blend of cheddar, Gruyere, and a touch of Parmesan for that extra zing. Also, I use a roux-based sauce, which ensures a smooth and creamy texture every time. No grainy sauces here! My kids request this southern baked mac and cheese recipe at least once a week, and it’s become a staple at our family gatherings. Even my picky teenager devours it in minutes! I think this is the BEST southern baked mac and cheese recipe and I bet you will too!

And the best part? It’s actually easier to make than you might think! Even on busy weeknights, I can whip this up in under an hour. If you’re a little nervous about making a cheese sauce from scratch, don’t be! I’m going to walk you through every step, so you can create a southern baked mac and cheese recipe that will have everyone begging for more.

Trust me, your family is going to love this as much as mine does! I can’t wait for you to try this – it’s become such a staple in our house, and I know it will in yours too! So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredible southern baked mac and cheese recipe. I’ve included some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years, so you can make this dish perfectly every time.

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1 pound elbow macaroni: I prefer using elbow macaroni for this southern baked mac and cheese recipe, but you can also use shells, cavatappi, or any other short pasta shape.

6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Real butter is key for the rich flavor of this southern baked mac and cheese recipe.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This is what we’ll use to make the roux, which will thicken our cheese sauce.
3 cups whole milk: Using whole milk makes the sauce extra creamy and luxurious in this southern baked mac and cheese recipe. I’ve tried it with 2% milk before, and it just doesn’t have the same richness.

1 cup heavy cream: For an extra touch of indulgence, heavy cream adds even more creaminess to the southern baked mac and cheese recipe.
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese: I like to use a combination of sharp and mild cheddar for a balanced flavor in this southern baked mac and cheese recipe.
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese: Gruyere adds a nutty, complex flavor that takes this southern baked mac and cheese recipe to the next level.

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory note to the southern baked mac and cheese recipe.
1 teaspoon salt: Seasoning is essential for bringing out the flavors of the cheese and pasta in this southern baked mac and cheese recipe.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice to the southern baked mac and cheese recipe.

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cheese perfectly in the southern baked mac and cheese recipe.
Optional: 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: If you want an extra crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the southern baked mac and cheese recipe before baking.

I always buy my cheese in blocks and shred it myself. It melts much better than the pre-shredded stuff! Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. Fontina, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of smoked Gouda would be delicious in this southern baked mac and cheese recipe. The most important thing is to use high-quality ingredients. That’s the secret to making the best southern baked mac and cheese recipe ever!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, now for the fun part! Let’s make some amazing southern baked mac and cheese recipe! Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a creamy, cheesy masterpiece in no time.

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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This is important so the southern baked mac and cheese recipe doesn’t stick.

Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain well and set aside. Don’t overcook the pasta, or it will be mushy in the southern baked mac and cheese recipe. I always cook it al dente.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This is called a roux, and it’s what will thicken our cheese sauce for the southern baked mac and cheese recipe.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 5-7 minutes. Be patient and keep stirring, or the sauce will scorch on the bottom. A good cheese sauce is key to a great southern baked mac and cheese recipe.

Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. This is your chance to customize the flavors to your liking for your southern baked mac and cheese recipe.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Make sure all the pasta is coated in the cheesy goodness.

Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly.
Optional: Sprinkle with breadcrumbs. This will give the top of the southern baked mac and cheese recipe a nice crispy crust.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The aroma alone will be enough to make your mouth water! This southern baked mac and cheese recipe is best served warm.

Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment! If you like a spicier southern baked mac and cheese recipe, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, use all mild cheddar cheese. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. Cooking should be an adventure!

Serving Ideas

Now that you’ve made this delicious southern baked mac and cheese recipe, it’s time to serve it up! Here are a few ideas to make your meal complete.

In my family, we usually serve this southern baked mac and cheese recipe as a side dish. It goes perfectly with grilled chicken, pulled pork, or even just a simple salad. The creamy, cheesy flavor complements so many different dishes. For holidays, I like to make a double batch of this southern baked mac and cheese recipe, as it is always gone in minutes!

If you’re serving a crowd, you can easily double or triple this southern baked mac and cheese recipe. Just make sure you have a large enough baking dish. I also like to prepare the southern baked mac and cheese recipe ahead of time and bake it just before serving. This is a great time-saver when you’re entertaining.

To make this southern baked mac and cheese recipe a complete meal, add some protein and vegetables. Grilled chicken or sausage would be a great addition, as would a side of steamed broccoli or green beans. The possibilities are endless!

For presentation, I like to sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top of the southern baked mac and cheese recipe before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness.

Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. They are just as delicious the next day. My kids often ask for this southern baked mac and cheese recipe for lunch!

This southern baked mac and cheese recipe has become a staple in our house, and I know it will in yours too. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Enjoy!

FAQs

Got questions about making this southern baked mac and cheese recipe? I’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions that I get from friends and family all the time.

Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Fontina, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of smoked Gouda would be delicious in this southern baked mac and cheese recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare the southern baked mac and cheese recipe up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add about 10 minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze this? I don’t recommend freezing this southern baked mac and cheese recipe, as the texture may change when thawed. The cheese sauce can sometimes separate. However, if you must freeze it, make sure to cool it completely before wrapping it tightly and freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

What if my cheese sauce is grainy? A grainy cheese sauce is usually caused by overheating the cheese. To prevent this, make sure to remove the saucepan from the heat before adding the cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and smooth. If your sauce does become grainy, try adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or a pinch of cream of tartar. This can help to smooth it out. I’ve made this mistake before with my southern baked mac and cheese recipe, so don’t feel bad!
Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook the pasta according to package directions. Gluten-free pasta can sometimes be a little tricky, so keep an eye on it. A good gluten-free pasta is key to a good southern baked mac and cheese recipe.
Can I add meat or vegetables to this? Absolutely! Cooked bacon, ham, or sausage would be a great addition. You can also add steamed broccoli, peas, or green beans. This is a great way to customize this southern baked mac and cheese recipe to your liking.

What if I don’t have Gruyere cheese? You can substitute with another cheese that melts well, such as Fontina or Swiss cheese in the southern baked mac and cheese recipe.
How do I prevent the macaroni from sticking together after cooking? Make sure to drain the macaroni well and rinse it with cold water. This will remove the excess starch and prevent it from sticking together. Also, don’t overcook the macaroni, or it will be mushy in the southern baked mac and cheese recipe.

I hope these FAQs have been helpful! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. I’m always happy to help! Making this southern baked mac and cheese recipe is a breeze with all these tips!

Conclusion

Well, there you have it! My family’s favorite southern baked mac and cheese recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious. I hope you’ll give it a try and let me know what you think.

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This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, and it always brings back fond memories. I remember my grandma making this for every holiday gathering. The smell of the southern baked mac and cheese recipe baking in the oven would fill the house, and everyone would be so excited to dig in.

Here are a few final tips to make this recipe a success:

Use high-quality cheese: This is key for the best flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook it al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy.

Taste and adjust seasonings: Make sure the cheese sauce is seasoned to your liking.
Let it cool slightly before serving: This will prevent the cheese sauce from being too runny.

My son loves this southern baked mac and cheese recipe with some crispy bacon on top. My daughter prefers it plain, with just a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. I’ve even been known to add a little hot sauce to mine for a kick!

This southern baked mac and cheese recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a tradition. It’s a way to bring family and friends together around the table and share a delicious meal. I hope you’ll create your own memories with this recipe. Don’t be intimidated – if I can make this southern baked mac and cheese recipe on a busy Tuesday night, you absolutely can too!

I’d love to hear how this turns out for your family – drop me a comment and let me know!

Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine! This southern baked mac and cheese recipe is a winner!

Easy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

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This is the best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese you’ll ever make! Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection.

Author: Kiera
Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound elbow macaroni
8 tablespoons butter, divided
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

3 cups milk
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.

Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Add macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
Pour macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Dot with remaining 4 tablespoons of butter.