Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any gathering or family meal. Rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, this dish features five different types of cheese that melt beautifully together. Whether it’s Sunday dinner, Thanksgiving, or a holiday celebration, this mac and cheese will steal the show. With its ooey-gooey texture and simple preparation, it’s truly a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: No need for complicated roux or whisking; just mix and bake!
• Incredible Flavor: The combination of five cheeses creates a rich and satisfying taste.
• Perfect Consistency: It bakes into a creamy texture without becoming dry or mushy.
• Versatile Dish: Great for holidays, potlucks, or as a comforting weeknight meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Portion: Serves 16, making it perfect for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese efficiently, gather a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Baking dish (8-by-11 or 9-by-13 inches)
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Large stockpot or Dutch oven: Ideal for boiling pasta and ensuring even cooking.
• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine the creamy cheese mixture without spills.
• Baking dish: Ensures even baking and browning of your mac and cheese for that perfect crust.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp butter (for buttering the pan)
• 16 oz elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 10 cups water mixed with chicken broth (I use Better than Bouillon)
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, save half for topping)
• 8 oz colby jack cheese (shredded, save half for topping)
• 8 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 8 oz American cheese (cubed)
• 4 oz softened cream cheese (warmed in the microwave for 30 seconds)
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 cup heavy cream
• kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1–2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• 2 large eggs

How to Make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Butter an 8-by-11 or 9-by-13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large stockpot or Dutch oven halfway with chicken broth (or water mixed with salt) and bring it to a boil.
1. Add in the elbow macaroni.
2. Cook until just under al dente according to package directions.
3. Drain the pasta once cooked.

Step 3: Mix the Cheeses

While the pasta is boiling:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine half-and-half, heavy cream, half of the cheddar cheese, half of the colby jack cheese, all of the mozzarella cheese, all of the American cheese, and all of the cream cheese using a wooden spoon.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, kosher salt, and pepper to taste:
1. Stir well to combine.
2. Taste to adjust seasoning as needed; remember that cheese adds saltiness during baking.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Stir in the drained macaroni:
1. Add in two large eggs until everything is well incorporated.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Pour the macaroni mixture into your prepared baking dish:
1. Spread evenly across the dish.

Step 7: Add Toppings

Generously top with remaining cheddar and colby jack cheeses:
1. Optionally sprinkle more smoked paprika on top.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top:
1. Avoid over-baking to keep pasta tender.

Step 9: Cool & Serve

Let cool slightly before serving:
1. Enjoy hot for that creamy goodness!

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days!

How to Serve Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Southern baked mac and cheese is a comfort food classic that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering or a holiday feast, serving it right can elevate the experience.

Pair with Fried Chicken

• Fried chicken complements the creamy texture of mac and cheese. The crispy skin balances the richness, making it a match made in heaven.

Accompany with Collard Greens

• Collard greens bring a nutritious and slightly bitter contrast to the cheesy dish. Their earthiness adds depth to your meal.

Serve with Garlic Bread

• Crunchy garlic bread offers a great texture contrast. It’s perfect for scooping up that ooey-gooey mac and cheese goodness.

Add a Side Salad

• A fresh side salad can lighten the meal. Consider a simple green salad with vinaigrette for balance.

Enjoy with Barbecue Ribs

• Barbecue ribs provide smoky flavors that pair wonderfully with the cheesy pasta. This combination will delight any crowd.

Top with Hot Sauce

• For those who like a kick, serve hot sauce on the side. It adds heat and enhances the overall flavor profile of your dish.

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How to Perfect Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

To achieve the ultimate southern baked mac and cheese, focus on these key elements for perfection.

• Use high-quality cheeses: Opt for fresh, flavorful cheeses like sharp cheddar and gouda for maximum taste.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Cooking it just under al dente ensures it remains firm during baking.
• Season well: Taste your cheese mixture before adding pasta. Adjust seasoning to ensure balanced flavors.
• Let it rest: Allowing the baked mac and cheese to cool slightly helps it set, making serving easier.
• Experiment with toppings: Try breadcrumbs or even crispy bacon on top for added texture.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to four days.

Best Side Dishes for Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Pairing your southern baked mac and cheese with the right sides can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Fried Catfish: Crispy fried catfish adds crunch and flavor that complements the creamy mac.
2. Cornbread: A slice of sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to savory dishes.
3. Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans add depth, enhancing your meal’s overall flavor.
4. Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans with almonds add freshness and crunch to your plate.
5. Potato Salad: A classic potato salad introduces creaminess while keeping things light.
6. Coleslaw: This crunchy side brings brightness, balancing out the richness of mac and cheese.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These offer earthy flavors that pair nicely with rich dishes.
8. Deviled Eggs: Creamy deviled eggs make for an easy finger food option that guests will love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, it’s easy to overlook a few important details that can impact the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcooking the pasta – Cooking the macaroni past the al dente stage will lead to mushy results. Make sure to cook it just under al dente as it will finish cooking in the oven.

• Neglecting seasoning – Not seasoning your cheese mixture can result in bland mac and cheese. Taste as you go to ensure a well-balanced flavor.

• Skipping the buttering step – Failing to butter the baking dish may cause your mac and cheese to stick. Always grease your dish for easier serving.

• Not letting it cool slightly – Serving right out of the oven can make it too hot to eat and difficult to serve. Allow it to cool for about five minutes for better texture.

• Using only one type of cheese – Sticking with just one cheese can make your dish lack depth in flavor. A mix of cheeses enhances creaminess and taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

• Portion into freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC) and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
• Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Southern Baked Mac and Cheese.

What cheeses work best for Southern Baked Mac and Cheese?

For the best flavor, combine sharp cheddar, colby jack, mozzarella, American, and cream cheese. This blend creates a creamy texture with rich flavors.

Can I make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it unbaked in the fridge. When ready, bake as instructed.

How do I customize my Southern Baked Mac and Cheese?

You can add cooked bacon, lobster, or vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.

Is Southern Baked Mac and Cheese gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, substitute elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Final Thoughts

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is not only creamy and flavorful but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving or on a cozy Sunday dinner, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients!