This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting! With a crunchy topping, every bite is a warm hug on a plate. It’s perfect for gatherings or family dinners!
Honestly, I can’t resist sneaking in extra cheese—who can? It’s easy to make, too! Just mix, bake, and savor the gooey goodness. You’ll want this cheesy treat at every meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This shape is traditional, but feel free to swap it with shells, penne, or any pasta you have at home. Just make sure it holds the cheese sauce well!
Cheeses: I used sharp and mild cheddar for that great flavor combo. If you want, mozzarella or gouda can add a nice twist! For a dairy-free option, try cashew cheese or nutritional yeast mixed with a milk substitute.
Butter: Unsalted butter works best here for flavor control. If you want to make it dairy-free, substitute with vegan butter or olive oil to keep the richness.
Milk: Whole milk is perfect, but you can use 2% or even almond milk if you prefer a lighter dish. Just remember that the creaminess may differ slightly.
Panko Bread Crumbs: These provide a great crunch, but regular bread crumbs can work too. You could even crush up crackers for a different topping!
Garlic and Onion Powder: If you’re short on these, fresh minced garlic and onions can add extra flavor, just adjust your cooking time as fresh ingredients might need longer to cook down.
How Do You Make a Creamy Cheese Sauce Without Clumps?
Making a smooth cheese sauce is key for this dish. Start with a good roux—this is equal parts flour and butter cooked together. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat the butter until melted, then add flour and whisk for about 2 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden.
- Gradually add warm milk while continuously whisking. This helps prevent clumps! Keep stirring until it thickens and bubbles.
- Lower the heat before adding your cheese, mixing until melted smoothly.
Remember, patience is key! Cooking on medium heat allows the flavors to develop and helps achieve that creamy texture we all love in mac and cheese.
How to Make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk, warmed
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Southern Baked Mac and Cheese takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to bake, making it a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease a large baking dish or casserole dish with a little butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent any sticking.
2. Cook the Macaroni:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm). Drain the pasta and set it aside for a moment while you make the cheese sauce.
3. Make the Roux:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour, whisking continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbly. This is called a roux and will help thicken your cheese sauce!
4. Create the Cheese Sauce:
Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, making sure to keep whisking to avoid lumps. Cook this mixture for about 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens and begins to bubble.
5. Flavor It Up:
Lower the heat and stir in the Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This is where the flavor starts to get really good!
6. Add the Cheeses:
Now it’s time to mix in the cheeses! Add the sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, and all but 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until everything is melted and smooth. If you want that extra creaminess, stir in the heavy cream now.
7. Combine and Mix:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Mix it well to ensure that all the noodles are coated with that delicious cheese.
8. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the cheesy macaroni mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now, let’s get that crispy topping ready!
9. Make the Topping:
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl, then mix it with the panko bread crumbs and the reserved Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this crunchy mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni.
10. Bake to Perfection:
Bake the dish uncovered in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
11. Let It Rest:
Once out of the oven, let your baked mac and cheese sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help it set slightly and make it easier to serve.
Enjoy your classic Southern baked mac and cheese with its perfectly creamy interior and crispy, cheesy crust! It’s comfort food at its best!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the packaging, as gluten-free pasta may have different cooking times.
Can I Freeze Leftover Mac and Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently in the oven or microwave.
How Do I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can prepare everything except for the baking step a day in advance. Just mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just top with the panko mixture and pop it in the oven. You may need to increase the baking time slightly if it’s chilled from the fridge.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
For even more deliciousness, consider adding cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into the cheese mixture. You can also experiment with different cheese types like gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist!