Description
Southern Baked Mac & Cheese is a warm, hearty comfort food combining creamy cheese sauces with tender elbow macaroni, baked until golden and bubbly. This classic Southern soul food dish offers rich, velvety layers of sharp cheddar and gruyère cheeses, enhanced with Dijon mustard and finished with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded gruyère cheese
- 4 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Topping
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the elbow macaroni in salted water just until al dente. This ensures the pasta holds its shape and texture during baking while absorbing the rich cheese sauce.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a smooth roux. Gradually pour in the whole milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Then fold in the sharp cheddar, gruyère, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, stirring until the cheeses fully melt into a creamy, velvety sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta well and mix it thoroughly into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with the luscious creamy mixture.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter and smoked paprika if using. This mixture will provide a golden, crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta when baked.
- Bake Until Golden: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread the breadcrumb topping evenly over the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Notes
- Use Sharp Cheddar: Provides a deeper, more pronounced flavor than mild cheddar, ensuring the cheese taste stands out.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cooking pasta al dente prevents it from becoming mushy once baked.
- Make Ahead of Time: Assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate before baking to save time during meal prep.
- Customize the Crunch: Substitute panko breadcrumbs for extra texture or crushed crackers for a unique twist on the topping.
- Let It Rest: Allow the baked mac and cheese to sit for a few minutes after baking to set for easier serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Southern baked mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta bake, soul food, macaroni and cheese, baked mac and cheese recipe