Easy Mac And Cheese Recipe Baked Southern – Perfect for Dinner

Master the Art of Making Mac and Cheese Recipe Baked Southern

Get ready to indulge in a deliciously cheesy delight with this baked mac and cheese recipe southern style, a true embodiment of southern comfort food that will quickly become a family favorite. This homemade recipe combines perfectly cooked pasta with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all topped with a crispy topping for that satisfying crunch in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a cozy night in, this cheesy pasta bake is sure to warm hearts and fill bellies!

For an extra creamy and flavorful baked Southern mac and cheese, mix in a blend of sharp cheddar and smoked gouda, and don’t forget to top it with crushed buttery crackers before baking for a delicious crunch!

Gather Your Ingredients & Tools

How to Make Mac and Cheese Recipe Baked Southern Step by Step

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook 8 ounces of elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
4. Add ¼ cup of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
5. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
6. Lower the heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of paprika for flavor.
8. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta.
9. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
10. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then sprinkle over the top of the mac and cheese.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
12. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, then enjoy your delicious southern baked mac and cheese!

Chef tip: Season in layers and adjust to taste.

Flavor & Texture Secrets

• Add-ins: herbs, spices, citrus zest, and dressings.

This fiber-rich combo makes it both filling and nutritious.

How to Serve Mac and Cheese Recipe Baked Southern

• Meal prep friendly.
• Brunch-ready bowl.
• Family dinner crowd-pleaser.

Explore related ideas here: more recipes. This reinforces mac and cheese recipe baked southern enjoyment.

Serving Size Adjustments

Scaling preserves the nutrition balance of mac and cheese recipe baked southern and its components (e.g., fiber/protein ratio). Try a batch cook for weeklong ease.

Allergy-Friendly & Diet Swaps

• Swap smartly to maintain structure.
• Adjust seasoning to fit each variant.

This ensures mac and cheese recipe baked southern fits your dietary needs.

Troubleshooting: Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Issue: Baked mac and cheese southern turned out too dry — Fix: Add an extra cup of milk or cream to the cheese sauce to ensure a creamy texture.
• Issue: Cheesy pasta bake lacks flavor — Fix: Incorporate spices like paprika or mustard powder, and mix in sautéed onions and garlic for added depth.
• Issue: Crispy topping burned before the inside is cooked — Fix: Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking, then remove it in the last 10-15 minutes to achieve a golden brown crust.
• Issue: Family favorite recipe didn’t hold together — Fix: Ensure you cook the pasta al dente and allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving to help it set.

Keep mac and cheese recipe baked southern balanced with mindful timing and seasoning.

Nutritional Highlights

• Fiber-packed and satiating.
• Protein-rich for recovery.
• Balanced bowl for daily energy.

Dietitian tip: Keep the mac and cheese recipe baked southern colorful and balanced for micronutrients.

Key Takeaways

• Main technique: build layers with mac and cheese recipe baked southern.
• Nutritional benefit: emphasize baked mac and cheese southern.
• Texture/taste: contrast crunchy and creamy elements.
• Serving flexibility: great for meal prep or sharing.
• Prep efficiency: use batch-cooked bases.

Faqs

• Q: What is a delicious baked mac and cheese recipe that captures the essence of Southern comfort food?

  Baked Southern mac and cheese is a comforting dish that combines creamy cheddar and a hint of Velveeta for richness, mixed with al dente elbow macaroni, and topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust for a crunchy finish. To make it, cook the pasta, prepare a creamy cheese sauce using milk, butter, and a blend of cheeses, then mix everything together, pour into a baking dish, and bake until golden and bubbly. This Southern

• Q: What is a delicious baked mac and cheese recipe that embodies the essence of southern comfort food?

  Indulge in a classic Southern comfort food with a baked mac and cheese recipe that combines creamy, rich cheeses like sharp cheddar and creamy Gruyère, tossed with al dente elbow macaroni. Topped with a crispy, buttery breadcrumb crust, this dish is baked to perfection, creating a golden, bubbling delight that captures the essence of Southern hospitality, making it the perfect side or main dish for any gathering.

• Q: What is a delicious recipe for baked southern mac and cheese, featuring a creamy cheesy pasta bake?

  For a delicious Southern baked mac and cheese, cook elbow pasta until al dente, then combine it with a rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, cream, and a hint of mustard for depth. Pour the mixture into a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs for crunch, and bake until golden and bubbly. This cheesy pasta bake is a comforting dish that is perfect for gatherings and brings a taste of Southern hospitality to your table!

• Q: How can I make a delicious baked Southern mac and cheese with a crispy topping?

  For a delicious baked Southern mac and cheese, start with a creamy blend of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella mixed with cooked macaroni. Pour the cheesy mixture into a greased baking dish and top generously with a blend of panko breadcrumbs and melted butter for that ultimate crispy topping. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly, then serve hot for a comforting side dish or main course

• Q: What is a delicious homemade recipe for baked southern mac and cheese that guarantees creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite?

  For a delicious Southern baked mac and cheese, start by cooking elbow macaroni until al dente. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux, then slowly add milk, stirring until thickened. Mix in sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a pinch of cayenne for flavor. Combine the cheese sauce with the pasta, pour it into a greased baking dish, and top with crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs

Final Thoughts

mac and cheese recipe baked southern brings comfort and flavor to every table. Save and share your twist with fresh ideas and a mindful balance.

Pin this mac and cheese recipe baked southern and try your twist with family favorite today.