Best 3 Southern Baked Mac And Cheese Recipes
Indulge in the Southern charm of a classic comfort food with our delectable baked mac and cheese recipe. This dish embodies the essence of Southern cuisine, featuring a creamy, cheesy sauce that envelops tender pasta, all topped with a golden-brown, crispy crust. Our recipe collection boasts variations to suit every palate, from the traditional Southern-style mac and cheese to unique twists like a spicy jalapeño version and a lightened-up version for health-conscious individuals. Whether you're a cheese lover seeking gooey, flavorful goodness or searching for a side dish that will steal the show at your next gathering, our Southern baked mac and cheese recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
SOUTHERN BAKED MAC AND CHEESE
This rich and decadent baked pasta is a Southern Black staple for holidays and special occasions. Steering away from the standard stovetop mac, this version includes three kinds of cheese and bakes up like a casserole with a crispy, golden top. The addition of eggs makes it similar to a cheesy, savory custard. Warning: This is not diet food!
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 1h35m
Yield 10 to 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until 3 minutes less than fully cooked. Drain and rinse under cold water until cooled; drain well. Add the cooked pasta back to the pot.
- Put the eggs, heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, ground mustard, nutmeg and a big pinch of salt in a medium bowl and whisk to combine. Pour over the cooked pasta and stir to combine.
- Toss together the Cheddar, mozzarella and Gouda in a large bowl. Add the cheeses to the pot and stir to evenly combine. Transfer the mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
- Bake until the center of the mac and cheese is set and the top is golden brown, 60 to 70 minutes. Let cool about 10 minutes before serving.
SOUTHERN MAC AND CHEESE
Kardea Brown's grandma has been making this macaroni and cheese for more than 50 years - and before that, her great-grandmother made it. It's a staple at family gatherings, especially during the holidays. Kardea put her own twist on the recipe by adding cream cheese and sour cream. "It creates a creamier texture and slightly tangy flavor," she says.
Provided by Kardea Brown
Categories main-dish
Time 1h
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch or other 3-quart baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain, then rinse with cold water.
- Using the same pot the macaroni was cooked in, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. While whisking constantly, slowly add the milk and then the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then add the cream cheese and all but 1/2 cup shredded cheddar and stir until melted. Stir in the granulated garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Remove the cheese sauce from the heat and stir in the macaroni. Season with salt and pepper.
- Whisk together the eggs and sour cream in a small bowl and then fold into the mac and cheese. Spread in the baking dish, then fold in the cubed cheddar and top with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar. Bake until the mac and cheese just begins to brown on top, 20 to 30 minutes. Loosely cover with foil and bake 10 to 15 more minutes.
SOUTHERN MACARONI AND CHEESE
There is macaroni and cheese, and then there is special occasion macaroni and cheese like this one. Unlike most recipes, which start with a roux, this one begins with a milk-and-egg base, which gives the dish an incredibly rich, silky taste. It's adapted from Millie Peartree, the owner of Millie Peartree Fish Fry & Soul Food restaurant in the Bronx, who has been making this dish since she was a little girl. The recipe was passed down in her family for generations, but because of the generous amount of cheese used, the dish was only made for events like Christmas and Thanksgiving. Extra-sharp Cheddar adds tartness and a layer of Colby Jack creates a gooey, molten center. If you can't find a Colby Jack blend, shredded mozzarella or a Mexican-style blend will work in its place.
Provided by Kiera Wright-Ruiz
Categories dinner, weeknight, casseroles, noodles, pastas, main course, side dish
Time 45m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions until a little under al dente, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk milk and eggs. Add cooked macaroni, 2 cups extra-sharp Cheddar, melted butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and stir until well combined.
- Add half the macaroni mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish in an even layer. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups Colby Jack evenly on top. Spread the remaining macaroni mixture on top in an even layer. Cover with aluminum foil, transfer to the middle rack of the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven. Carefully remove and discard the aluminum foil. Top the macaroni mixture with the remaining 2 cups Cheddar and 1/2 cup Colby Jack. Broil on top rack until cheese is browned in spots, 3 to 5 minutes. (The broiled cheese can go from golden to burnt fairly quickly, so keep a close eye on it.)
- Remove from oven and let cool until the macaroni and cheese is fully set, 10 to 15 minutes. (The mixture may first appear jiggly, but it will firm up as it cools.) Serve warm.
Tips:
- Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will greatly affect the flavor of your mac and cheese. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a bold flavor, or a milder cheese like mozzarella or Gruyère for a more subtle flavor.
- Cook the macaroni al dente: You don't want the macaroni to be too soft or mushy, so cook it al dente according to the package instructions.
- Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the cheese sauce. This will help to prevent the sauce from being too thin and runny.
- Use milk or cream: You can use milk or cream, or a combination of both, to make the cheese sauce. Milk will produce a lighter sauce, while cream will produce a richer, more decadent sauce.
- Season the sauce: Be sure to season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Bake the mac and cheese: After you've assembled the mac and cheese, bake it in the oven until it's bubbly and golden brown on top. This will help to set the cheese sauce and give the mac and cheese a nice crust.
Conclusion:
Southern baked mac and cheese is a classic comfort food dish that is sure to please everyone at your table. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and crispy breadcrumb topping, it's the perfect dish for a family meal or a potluck. So next time you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make side dish, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed.
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