Savor the rich, creamy goodness of this Southern-style macaroni and cheese. With its blend of flavorful cheeses and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, this macaroni and cheese is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Ready to dive into a bowl of cheesy delight?
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Add the cheese and spices: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, ground mustard, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Combine the pasta and cheese sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
- Bake the macaroni and cheese: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs for an extra crispy topping. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Allow the macaroni and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm as a comforting side dish or a hearty main course.
Conclusion and Tips: This Southern-style macaroni and cheese is a creamy, cheesy delight that’s perfect for any meal. For a smoky flavor, try adding a cup of cooked, crumbled bacon or a dash of smoked paprika. This dish also reheats well, making it a great option for leftovers. We’d love to hear how this recipe becomes a favorite at your table!
Do you have a special twist on this macaroni and cheese? Share your tips and variations in the comments below. Let’s make every bite a cheesy celebration together!