Creamy Southern Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ever wondered why Southern Mac and Cheese is so loved? It’s a classic comfort food that has warmed hearts for years. It’s a creamy, cheesy delight that makes your taste buds happy.
Our Creamy Southern Mac and Cheese recipe is special. It’s a soul-satisfying dish that’s been perfected over time. Its rich, gooey texture and mix of flavors make it your new favorite comfort food.
Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, this Southern Mac and Cheese is perfect. It’s been a favorite for over a decade, with updates to keep it great.
Key Takeaways
- This recipe serves 10-12 people, perfect for family gatherings
- Prep time is just 10 minutes, with a total time of about 1 hour 20 minutes
- The secret lies in the perfect cheese-to-noodle ratio
- It’s a versatile dish that can be prepared in advance
- This Southern Mac and Cheese recipe has been shared over 230,000 times
The Secret to Perfect Southern Mac and Cheese
To make the ultimate cheesy pasta, mix the right cheeses and creamy parts. The secret to Southern flavor is in your cheese mix.
Choosing the Right Cheeses
For the best Southern mac and cheese, pick a mix of cheeses. Sharp cheddar adds bold taste. Colby Jack brings a creamy feel. Mozzarella melts well, and Parmesan adds a nutty flavor.
Here’s a good cheese mix:
- 1 cup sharp cheddar
- 1/2 cup Colby Jack
- 1/2 cup mozzarella
- 1/4 cup Parmesan
The Importance of Creamy Elements
For a smooth sauce, add creamy parts to your cheese mix. Evaporated milk and half-and-half make it rich. Cream cheese adds extra creaminess.
Try this creamy mix:
- 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
With the right cheeses and creamy parts, your Southern mac and cheese will be tasty and smooth. It’s great for 8-10 people, perfect for family meals or potlucks.
Essential Ingredients for Southern Mac and Cheese
Get ready to make the most gooey, cheesy mac and cheese ever! This Southern classic needs a few key ingredients for its creamy texture and rich flavor. Let’s look at what you’ll need to make this comfort food favorite.
Pasta Selection
For the perfect Southern mac and cheese, choose elbow macaroni. This shape captures the creamy sauce in its curves. It makes every bite full of cheesy goodness. Cook the pasta al dente, about 6 minutes, as it will continue to soften while baking.
Dairy Components
The secret to achieving that velvety, creamy texture lies in the dairy. You’ll need:
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Mild cheddar cheese
- Heavy cream
- Whole milk
- Butter
- Eggs
Combine these ingredients to create a luscious cheese sauce. It will coat every noodle. Don’t use pre-shredded cheese; grating your own ensures a smoother melt.
Seasonings and Spices
Elevate your mac and cheese with these flavor-boosting seasonings:
- Kosher salt
- White pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Mustard powder
- Smoked paprika
These spices add depth and complexity to your dish. They turn simple ingredients into a Southern masterpiece. With these essentials, you’re on your way to creating the creamiest, most flavorful mac and cheese ever!
Preparing Your Mac and Cheese
Ready to make some Easy Mac and Cheese? Let’s start cooking! This recipe makes 8 to 12 servings and takes 35 minutes. You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish and an oven at 325°F.
Cooking the Pasta
First, cook 1 pound of dried elbow macaroni. Boil it for 4-5 minutes. This is 1 minute less than the package says for al dente. It keeps your pasta from being mushy after baking.
Creating the Cheese Sauce
While the pasta cooks, make your Cheese Sauce. Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a large pot. Add 1/2 cup all-purpose flour to make a roux. Then, add 1 1/2 cups whole milk and 2 1/2 cups half-and-half, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Once it’s smooth, mix in 3 cups of shredded medium cheddar and 1 1/2 cups of shredded Gruyere. Add 1/2 Tbsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika. Stir until the cheese is fully melted.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni | 1 lb |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup |
| Whole milk | 1 1/2 cups |
| Half-and-half | 2 1/2 cups |
| Shredded cheddar | 3 cups |
| Shredded Gruyere | 1 1/2 cups |
Combine the cooked pasta with your creamy Cheese Sauce. Pour it into your baking dish. Top with more cheese and bake until perfect!
Baking Your Southern Mac and Cheese
Now, it’s time to make your creamy mix into a golden, bubbly Baked Mac and Cheese. This Southern side dish is the ultimate comfort food. Follow these steps to make a masterpiece that everyone will love.
Preparing the Baking Dish
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Use an 8×11 or 9×13 inch baking dish. Grease it well with butter. This keeps it from sticking and adds flavor to your mac and cheese.
Layering for Maximum Flavor
Pour half of your mac and cheese mix into the dish. Sprinkle sharp cheddar and Colby-Jack cheese on top. Add the rest of the mac and cheese, then more cheese. This way, every bite is full of cheesy flavor.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly. You’ll get a dish that’s creamy inside and crispy outside. It serves 16 people. Each serving has 424 calories, 19g of protein, and 503mg of calcium.
Variations and Add-ins
Make your Southern Classic mac and cheese even better with a few creative twists. Let’s look at some fun variations that make this dish exciting for kids and adults alike.
Protein Options
Add protein to your mac and cheese for extra flavor. Try crispy bacon, tender pulled pork, or grilled chicken. For a seafood twist, add crab meat or tuna.
Vegetable Additions
Adding veggies makes your mac and cheese healthier. Roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or diced tomatoes add color and taste. Try caramelized onions or roasted garlic for a unique flavor.
Spicy Twists
Make your mac and cheese spicy with jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes. For a milder option, add smoked paprika.
| Variation | Ingredients | Prep Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon Lovers | Crispy bacon, extra cheddar | 10 minutes |
| Veggie Delight | Broccoli, spinach, cherry tomatoes | 15 minutes |
| Spicy Southwest | Jalapeños, ground beef, corn | 20 minutes |
These creative add-ins let you customize your mac and cheese to any taste. Whether for picky eaters or adventurous foodies, these variations make your Southern Classic a hit.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Your Southern mac and cheese is ready to shine as the ultimate holiday side dish or potluck favorite. Let’s explore some perfect pairings to make your family gathering a culinary success.
Complementary Side Dishes
Balance the rich, creamy texture of mac and cheese with crisp, tangy sides. Try a zesty Mexican coleslaw or roasted Brussels sprouts for a delightful contrast. For a classic Southern touch, serve alongside cornbread or collard greens. These combinations create a well-rounded meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table.
Beverage Pairings
Enhance your dining experience with the right drinks. A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light beer complements the cheesy goodness. For non-alcoholic options, try unsweetened iced tea or lemonade to cut through the richness. These pairings will elevate your mac and cheese from a simple dish to the star of your family gathering.
- Protein pairings: BBQ ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken
- Vegetable sides: Kale Caesar salad, roasted broccoli
- Beverages: Chardonnay, craft beer, or iced tea
Remember, mac and cheese is versatile. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or bringing it to a potluck, these pairing suggestions will help create a memorable meal for any occasion.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This easy mac and cheese recipe is great for busy families. You can prepare it ahead and enjoy it whenever you need a comforting meal. Here’s how to make the most of your Southern mac and cheese.
Preparing in Advance
You can assemble your mac and cheese up to 2 days before baking. Just cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 1/2 cup of milk to keep it creamy. Bake for 45 minutes covered, then 15 minutes uncovered.
Proper Storage Methods
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This recipe serves 6 to 12 people, so you’ll likely have extras. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating Techniques
To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot. For oven reheating, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Time |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated | Up to 5 days | 2-3 minutes (microwave) or 20 minutes (oven) |
| Frozen | Up to 3 months | 30-40 minutes (oven, after thawing) |
With these tips, you can enjoy your family favorite easy mac and cheese anytime. This makes meal planning a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning to make creamy Southern mac and cheese is fun. Let’s answer some common questions to help you get it right.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your mac and cheese is dry, add an extra ¼ cup of milk to the sauce. For a smooth texture, use the right cheese mix. A blend of 4 ½ cups sharp white cheddar and 2 cups Gruyère is best.
Make sure to cook your pasta 2-3 minutes less than the package says. This will give it the perfect al dente texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a lighter version, use 2% milk instead of whole milk. But it might make it less creamy. If you can’t have gluten, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Remember, these changes might change how your mac and cheese tastes and feels.
Scaling the Recipe
This recipe makes 8 servings, with each serving having 701 calories and 26g of protein. To make less, use a 1 ½-quart casserole dish and cut all ingredients in half. For more people, double the recipe and bake for 10-15 minutes longer.
Whether you’re making a little or a lot, your creamy mac and cheese will be a hit.