Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Creamy and delicious, the Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth to any gathering. This dish is perfect for Sunday dinners, holiday celebrations, or whenever you’re in the mood for something cheesy and satisfying. With a secret ingredient that adds richness, this old-fashioned macaroni and cheese will have your family asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food – There’s nothing quite like the creamy texture and cheesy flavor of southern baked mac and cheese to make you feel at home.
- Easy to Make – With simple steps, even novice cooks can master this recipe. Perfect for anyone looking to impress with minimal effort!
- Versatile Dish – Whether served as a main course or side dish, this mac and cheese pairs well with many other foods.
- Crowd Pleaser – Great for gatherings, potlucks, or holiday meals; everyone loves mac and cheese!
- Secret Ingredient – The use of evaporated milk makes it creamier and richer than traditional recipes.
Tools and Preparation
To ensure your cooking process is smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here are the key tools you’ll need:
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Large pot
- Colander
- Box grater or food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish – A sturdy baking dish helps achieve even cooking and browning.
- Colander – Properly drains pasta to prevent a watery final product.
- Box grater or food processor – Quickly shreds cheese for better melting in the final dish.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (plus more for baking dish)
- 1 large egg (beaten, room temperature)
- 1 13 oz. can evaporated milk
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 8 oz extra-sharp white cheddar cheese (good quality)
- 12 oz mild cheddar cheese (or another mild cheese like monterey jack, fontina, colby jack, or gouda)
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- 1½ tsp. salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp cajun or creole seasoning
- ½ tsp dry mustard powder (or 1 teaspoon dijon mustard)
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- fresh cracked pepper (for topping)
How to Make Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 3-quart casserole dish or 9×13 pan with butter or spray with cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
Cook macaroni in unsalted water according to package directions. Add 2 minutes to the maximum time listed on the package—aiming for about 12 minutes. Drain the macaroni and stir in butter until melted.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese
While macaroni is boiling, shred your cheese blocks using a box grater or food processor. Combine all shredded cheese varieties until evenly mixed.
Step 4: Mix Dairy Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together mascarpone and evaporated milk until smooth. It’s okay if there are still some lumps. Then mix in the whole milk along with salt, creole seasoning, mustard powder, and nutmeg.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Add the buttered macaroni into the bowl along with half of the shredded cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning
Taste your mixture to see if it meets your flavor preferences; adjust seasonings if necessary. Finally, stir in the beaten egg until well incorporated.
Step 7: Layer in Baking Dish
Pour half of your mixture into a greased baking dish. Use a spoon to distribute evenly if needed. Sprinkle half of the remaining cheese on top; then repeat with remaining macaroni mixture and remaining cheese.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. For an extra crispy top, place it under broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes—just watch carefully!
Step 9: Cool Before Serving
Let cool for about 15 minutes before serving so that filling can set properly. Enjoy your delicious Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese!
How to Serve Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a holiday gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish and impress your guests.
Pair with Protein
- Fried Chicken: The crispy texture of fried chicken complements the creamy mac and cheese perfectly.
- Smoked Sausage: Sliced or diced smoked sausage adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the cheese.
- Grilled Shrimp: Light and flavorful, grilled shrimp provides a delicious contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese.
Add Fresh Greens
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the creamy mac and cheese.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli offers a healthy side that brings color to your plate.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp lettuce and zesty dressing make for a refreshing addition to your meal.
Garnish Creatively
- Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkling green onions on top adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Crumbled Bacon: For bacon lovers, adding crumbled bacon enhances flavor and adds texture.
How to Perfect Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Making the perfect Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out creamy and delicious every time.
- Use High-Quality Cheese: Choosing good quality cheeses like extra-sharp cheddar enhances flavor significantly.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the macaroni just until al dente ensures it won’t become mushy when baked.
- Incorporate Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature milk and mascarpone helps create a smoother mixture.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Always taste your mixture before baking; this allows you to adjust flavors as needed.
- Let It Rest After Baking: Allowing the mac and cheese to cool for about 15 minutes helps it set up nicely for serving.
Best Side Dishes for Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
To create a well-rounded meal, consider these delicious side dishes that complement Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese beautifully.
- Collard Greens: This traditional Southern dish adds a nutritious element that balances out the richness of mac and cheese.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is a comforting option that pairs delightfully with cheesy pasta.
- Fried Green Tomatoes: Crispy fried green tomatoes provide a delightful crunch alongside creamy mac.
- Potato Salad: A classic potato salad offers contrasting textures while remaining hearty.
- Green Beans Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans topped with almonds add elegance to your plate.
- Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans introduce an additional layer of flavor that works well with cheesy dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese can be tricky if you aren’t careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.
- Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature milk and cheese for a smoother texture. Cold ingredients can cause the cheese to clump.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking macaroni too long leads to mushy pasta. Follow package instructions but reduce cooking time by 2 minutes for perfect al dente.
- Not tasting before baking: Always taste your mixture before adding the egg. This helps adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Skipping the broiler step: For a golden, crispy top, finish your mac and cheese under the broiler for a few minutes. Just be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning.
- Choosing low-quality cheese: The type of cheese makes a huge difference. Opt for good quality sharp cheddar and other flavorful cheeses for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Best consumed within 3-5 days for optimal flavor and texture.
Freezing Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
- Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring as much air as possible is removed.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes) until warm, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat on low with a splash of milk in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! You can mix various cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Fontina to customize flavors.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding cooked bacon, jalapeños, or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added taste.
How do I make my mac and cheese creamier?
Using mascarpone or cream cheese along with evaporated milk ensures a rich creamy texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake before serving.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
Final Thoughts
The Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite cheeses or add-ins. This comforting dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. Give it a try—you’ll love how satisfying it is!
Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of the Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, a dish that exemplifies comfort food at its finest. This classic recipe features a blend of rich cheeses and a secret ingredient—evaporated milk—that elevates its creamy texture and flavor. Ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or cozy nights in, this mac and cheese is sure to become a favorite at your table. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, even novice cooks can create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 can (13 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 oz extra-sharp white cheddar cheese
- 12 oz mild cheddar cheese
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- Seasonings: salt, cajun seasoning, mustard powder, nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
- Cook macaroni until al dente; drain and mix with butter.
- Shred cheeses and combine in a bowl.
- Mix mascarpone, evaporated milk, whole milk, salt, seasonings in a large bowl.
- Stir in macaroni and half the shredded cheese.
- Add beaten egg; combine thoroughly.
- Layer half the mixture in the baking dish with half the remaining cheese; repeat layers.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
