How to Make Baked Macaroni And Cheese Recipe Southern – Easy Recipe
Master the Art of Making Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Southern
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern! Perfect for easy weeknight dinners, this creamy and cheesy dish is not only family-friendly but also budget-friendly, making it a go-to for busy households. Utilizing simple pantry ingredients, you can whip up this delightful meal in no time, ensuring that everyone at the table leaves satisfied. Plus, if you’re looking for a gluten-free or dairy-free option, we’ve got you covered, allowing you to enjoy this classic dish without any dietary restrictions. Grab your baking dish and let’s get started on this delicious southern classic!
For the creamiest baked macaroni and cheese, mix a combination of sharp cheddar and creamy Gruyère cheese, and always allow your pasta to cool slightly before mixing in the cheese sauce to prevent clumping!
Gather Your Ingredients & Tools
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow Macaroni | 2 cups | A staple for baked macaroni and cheese; perfect for a southern family-friendly weeknight meal. |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups, shredded | Use high-quality cheese for a rich flavor; can be substituted for a gluten-free option. |
| Milk | 2 cups | Whole milk works best for creaminess; consider a dairy-free alternative if needed. |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons | Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness; helps create a smooth cheese sauce. |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/4 cup | Essential for thickening the cheese sauce; can be swapped for a gluten-free flour. |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup | For a crunchy topping; can be seasoned for extra flavor and easy cleanup. |
Tips
- Try using a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack for a more complex flavor.
- For easy reheating, portion the mac and cheese into single-serving containers and freeze; just reheat in the oven or microwave!
Essential tools: nonstick pan, medium pot, oven or air fryer, and a blender if needed.
These essentials keep the baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern balanced and consistent every time.
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How to Make Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Southern Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook 8 ounces of elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth.
- Continue cooking the sauce until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is well-coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then sprinkle over the macaroni.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Chef tip: Season in layers and adjust to taste.
Flavor & Texture Secrets
| Flavor Element | Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Cheesy | Sharp Cheddar | Main Flavor |
| Comforting | Elbow Macaroni | Base Ingredient |
| Rich | Heavy Cream | Binding Agent |
| Crispy | Breadcrumbs | Topping |
| Quick | Frozen Peas | Pantry Ingredient |
- Add-ins: herbs, spices, citrus zest, and dressings.
This fiber-rich combo makes it both filling and nutritious.
How to Serve Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Southern
- Meal prep friendly.
- Brunch-ready bowl.
- Family dinner crowd-pleaser.
| Occasion | Pairing Dish | Beverage |
|---|---|---|
| Casual Dinner | Grilled Salmon | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Birthday Party | Chocolate Cake | Port Wine |
| Game Night | Pizza | Craft Beer |
Explore related ideas here: more recipes. This reinforces baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern enjoyment.
Serving Size Adjustments
| Ingredient | x1 | x2 | x4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Grain | 1 cup | 2 cups | 4 cups |
| Protein | 1 serving | 2 servings | 4 servings |
| Veggies | 2 cups | 4 cups | 8 cups |
Scaling preserves the nutrition balance of baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern and its components (e.g., fiber/protein ratio). Try a batch cook for weeklong ease.
Allergy-Friendly & Diet Swaps
| Variant | Swap | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | As written | Balanced texture and flavor |
| Vegan | Use tofu or legumes | Plant protein emphasis |
| Gluten-Free | Use GF grains | Check labels for cross-contamination |
| Keto | Swap grains for greens | Keep fats moderate |
- Swap smartly to maintain structure.
- Adjust seasoning to fit each variant.
This ensures baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern fits your dietary needs.
Troubleshooting: Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Issue: Difficulty finding a quick weeknight meal — Fix: Try a baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern easy weeknight that can be prepared in under 30 minutes!
- Issue: Feeding a large family on a budget — Fix: Use a baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern budget friendly that utilizes pantry ingredients to keep costs low while satisfying everyone.
- Issue: Need a dish that’s easy to clean up — Fix: Opt for a baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern one pan cleanup that minimizes dishes and maximizes flavor!
- Issue: Dietary restrictions making meal planning tough — Fix: Explore a baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern dairy free option to cater to everyone’s needs.
Keep baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern balanced with mindful timing and seasoning.
Nutritional Highlights
| Calories | ~450 |
| Protein | ~20g |
| Carbs | ~55g |
| Fat | ~15g |
| Fiber | ~12g |
| Key Nutrients | Iron, Vitamin C, Folate |
- Fiber-packed and satiating.
- Protein-rich for recovery.
- Balanced bowl for daily energy.
Dietitian tip: Keep the baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern colorful and balanced for micronutrients.
Key Takeaways
- Main technique: build layers with baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern.
- Nutritional benefit: emphasize baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern easy weeknight.
- Texture/taste: contrast crunchy and creamy elements.
- Serving flexibility: great for meal prep or sharing.
- Prep efficiency: use batch-cooked bases.
Faqs
- Q: What’s a simple and delicious baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern style for an easy weeknight dinner?
If you’re looking for a comforting and easy weeknight dinner, Southern baked macaroni and cheese is the perfect choice. This simple recipe combines cooked elbow macaroni with a creamy cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, milk, and a hint of butter, all topped with a crispy breadcrumb or cheese layer. Just mix the ingredients, pour them into a baking dish, and bake until bubbly and golden for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that captures the
- Q: What is a delicious and family-friendly baked macaroni and cheese recipe inspired by Southern cuisine?
For a delicious Southern baked macaroni and cheese that’s family-friendly, start by cooking elbow macaroni until al dente. In a separate pot, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually add milk, stirring until thickened. Mix in sharp cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and a hint of mustard for extra flavor. Combine the cheese sauce with the pasta, pour into a greased baking dish, and top
- Q: What is a budget-friendly baked macaroni and cheese recipe that captures the essence of Southern comfort food?
If you’re looking for a delicious and budget-friendly Southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe, start by cooking 1 pound of elbow macaroni until al dente. In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter and whisk in 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour to create a roux. Gradually add 4 cups of milk and stir until thickened, then mix in 4 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, salt
- Q: What is a quick and easy baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern that allows for one pan cleanup?
Delight in a comforting Southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe that combines creamy cheeses, al dente pasta, and a buttery breadcrumb topping, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. Simply cook your pasta, mix in a rich cheese sauce using sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack, layer everything in your baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and bubbly for a hassle-free family favorite!
- Q: What is a simple baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern that uses pantry ingredients?
For a comforting Southern baked macaroni and cheese, combine cooked elbow macaroni with a creamy cheese sauce made from pantry staples like butter, flour, milk, and a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika for extra flavor. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish, and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden
Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Southern |
|
|---|---|
| chickenrecipes.store | |
| Love it? Save this recipe for future delicious moments! | |
| Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | |
Ingredients |
|
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Elbow Macaroni | 2 cups |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups, shredded |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
Directions |
|
| Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). | |
| Step 2: Cook 8 ounces of elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside. | |
| Step 3: In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. | |
| Step 4: Add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk for about 2 minutes to create a roux. | |
| Step 5: Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth. | |
| Step 6: Continue cooking the sauce until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. | |
| Step 7: Stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and combined. | |
| Step 8: Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra flavor. | |
| Step 9: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is well-coated. | |
| Step 10: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. | |
| Step 11: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then sprinkle over the macaroni. | |
| Step 12: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. | |
| Step 13: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set. | |
Final Thoughts
baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern brings comfort and flavor to every table. Save and share your twist with fresh ideas and a mindful balance.
Pin this baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern and try your twist with baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern meal prep friendly today.
