Description
Creamy Southern baked mac and cheese brings soul-warming comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Cheesy, rich layers meld perfectly with crisp breadcrumb topping, promising a nostalgic bite that connects generations of home cooks.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups whole milk
Seasoning and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Binding and Texture Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Boil macaroni in generously salted water until perfectly tender, approximately 8-9 minutes. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
- Create a roux by melting butter in a medium saucepan, then gradually incorporate flour. Whisk consistently for 2-3 minutes until achieving a light golden hue.
- Slowly stream milk into the roux, continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Fold shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses into the creamy base. Add mustard powder, salt, and pepper, stirring until cheese completely melts and integrates.
- Gently fold cooked macaroni into the velvety cheese mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is lavishly coated.
- Transfer mac and cheese to a buttered baking dish, spreading evenly and sprinkling Parmesan cheese across the surface.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges that indicate perfect doneness.
Notes
- Ensure pasta is perfectly al dente by cooking just until tender to prevent mushiness during baking.
- Experiment with cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or smoked gouda for deeper flavor complexity.
- Layer extra cheese on top for a crispy, golden-brown crust that adds delightful texture and visual appeal.
- Accommodate gluten-free diets by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 457
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 66 mg