Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

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Rich, creamy, and topped with a golden, crispy cheese crust — the ultimate soul food comfort dish.

Servings: 10–12
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Broil Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Dietary Badges: Contains Dairy, Contains Gluten, Vegetarian-Friendly (no meat)

Ingredients

  • Pasta & Butter Base:

    • Pasta noodles (elbow or rotini)

    • Butter, room temperature (divided)

  • Cheese Sauce:

    • Garlic cloves, minced

    • All-purpose flour

    • Reserved pasta water

    • Heavy cream

    • Half and half

    • Shredded medium cheddar

    • Shredded Colby Jack

    • Shredded mozzarella

    • Shredded sharp cheddar

    • Shredded white cheddar

    • Whipped cream cheese

    • Onion powder

    • Paprika

    • Mustard powder

    • Salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep Cheeses & Butter: Shred all cheeses. Reserve 1 cup each of medium cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella for topping. Mince garlic and portion butter into 7 tablespoons.

  2. Cook Pasta: Boil pasta until slightly less than al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and toss with 2 tablespoons butter.

  3. Make Cheese Sauce: In a large skillet, melt remaining 5 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute. Whisk in flour, cooking until golden. Slowly whisk in reserved pasta water, heavy cream, and half and half until sauce thickens (about 4 minutes). Lower heat and add remaining shredded cheeses, one handful at a time, until melted. Stir in cream cheese, onion powder, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

  4. Combine & Layer: Pour cheese sauce over pasta, toss to coat, then sprinkle reserved cheeses evenly on top.

  5. Bake: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes.

  6. Broil: Switch oven to broil and cook 5 minutes, until cheese topping is golden and crispy.

  7. Cool & Serve: Rest 3–5 minutes before serving.

Notes:

  • Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.

  • Slightly undercooking the pasta helps it hold texture during baking.

Brief Introduction

This Southern baked macaroni and cheese is all about indulgence — a velvety, multi-cheese sauce envelops tender pasta, topped with a bubbling crust of golden cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella. It’s a side dish that steals the spotlight.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Cheese Prep & Pasta Base

  1. Shred & Reserve: Grate all cheeses, setting aside the topping mix.

  2. Cook Pasta: Boil just shy of al dente for the perfect baked texture.

Cheese Sauce Perfection

  1. Build Roux: Melt butter, sauté garlic, and whisk in flour until golden.

  2. Creamy Blend: Add liquids gradually, whisk until thickened, then melt in cheeses and seasonings.

Baking & Crisping

  1. Bake for Fusion: Pasta and sauce meld together in the oven.

  2. Broil for Crust: The reserved cheese topping crisps beautifully under high heat.

Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips

  • Pasta: Elbows are classic; rotini or cavatappi hold sauce well.

  • Cheeses: Blend of cheddar, Colby Jack, mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and white cheddar gives depth.

  • Half and Half: Can use all milk for lighter sauce, or heavy cream for richer texture.

  • Cream Cheese: Adds extra creaminess; can be omitted for a slightly less rich sauce.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

  • Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne to the sauce.

  • Crunchy Top: Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with butter over cheese before baking.

  • Serving Ideas: Serve as a side for BBQ meats, fried chicken, or holiday spreads.

Storage & Make-Ahead Information

  • Refrigeration: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.

  • Freezing: Freeze portions up to 2 months; thaw and reheat gently.

  • Reheating: Warm in oven at 325°F covered with foil to retain moisture.

  • Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours before baking; store covered in fridge.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, 12 servings)

Calories: ~420 kcal | Carbs: 29g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 27g | Sodium: 510mg

FAQs

Q: Can I make it without broiling?
A: Yes — bake 5–10 extra minutes for a golden crust.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: You can, but it may not melt as smoothly due to anti-caking agents.

Q: Can I add meat?
A: Yes — cooked bacon, ham, or pulled chicken make it a main dish.

Personal Story

I first had Southern baked mac and cheese at a holiday dinner in Georgia, and I’ve been hooked ever since. After testing countless cheese blends, this one delivers the perfect creamy interior and crispy topping balance. It’s now my go-to for gatherings where I want guaranteed clean plates.

Do you want me to also prepare step-by-step photo captions for this one so it’s fully blog-ready with your “visual cooking guide” section? That would complete the structure from your outline.

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