Southern Mac and Cheese A Soul Food

There’s just something about Southern Mac and Cheese that makes it a comfort food favorite. With a mouthwatering blend of sharp cheddar and mild mozzarella, a hint of mustard, and a dash of black pepper, it’s delicious! The elbow macaroni is cooked to perfection, ensuring a delightful bite every time.

Southern Mac and Cheese is more than just a dish, it’s a culinary tradition that’s been passed down through generations. It’s the kind of dish that brings families together around the dinner table, and it’s perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to Sunday dinners. The best part? It’s easy to make at home, with ingredients you probably already have on hand!

This recipe for Southern Mac and Cheese is truly special. Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade dish is made with a rich, creamy sauce that’s prepared with care and precision. Plus, it’s super easy too! Serve it with some Southern Apple Cobbler or Southern Banana Pudding for a delicious, homey meal.

❤️ WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Easy to make: This Southern Style Mac and Cheese recipe is simple and straightforward. From prepping your ingredients to the final bake, it’s a seamless process that even beginner cooks can follow.

Family-favorite: Creamy, rich, and cheesy, this baked mac and cheese is a hit with both kids and adults alike. It’s a dish that’s sure to bring everyone to the dinner table.

Versatile: This recipe allows for variations according to your preference. You can switch up the type of cheese or add in cream cheese or mozzarella if you prefer not to use eggs. The choice is yours!

Delicious: With a blend of cheddar and mozzarella, and a touch of mustard for a slight tang, this Southern Mac and Cheese recipe is delightfully flavorful. It’s way better than any boxed mac and cheese you’ll find!

🍊 INGREDIENTS

More details about the ingredients and measurements are in the recipe card below!

Elbow Macaroni: The star of this recipe, elbow macaroni is the traditional pasta shape used for mac and cheese. Remember not to overcook the pasta to avoid lumps in your dish.

All-Purpose Flour: This is used to thicken the cheese sauce, ensuring a creamy consistency.

Unsalted Butter: Butter adds a rich, creamy flavor to the sauce. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe.

Mustard: This adds a tangy kick to the cheese sauce that complements the richness of the cheese and butter.

Whole Milk: This is a key component of the cheese sauce, providing a creamy, rich texture.

Cheddar Cheese: The primary cheese in this dish. Using a block of your preferred sharp or mild cheddar and shredding it at home will give you the best flavor and texture.

Mozzarella Cheese: It adds a stringy, melty component to the cheese sauce. If you’re not using eggs, you can substitute it with additional mozzarella.

🔪 HOW TO MAKE SOUTHERN MAC AND CHEESE

Step 1

Preheat the oven and prepare your baking pan: Kick things off by preheating your oven to 180C/350F. Also, have either an eight or a seven-inch baking pan ready for later use.

Step 2

Start cooking your elbow macaroni: Cook the pasta for around two minutes less than the time suggested on the package. This is because we’ll be giving it additional cooking time in the oven later on.

Step 3

Create your sauce’s foundation: In a saucepan, melt some butter, then add flour and stir the mixture over medium heat for about one minute

Step 4

Add milk and heavy cream to the mixture: Pour cold milk and heavy cream into your flour and butter mixture. Make sure to whisk it well to avoid creating any lumps.

Step 5

Thicken your sauce and season it: Once your sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, it’s time to season it with a little black pepper. Stir it for another minute before turning off the heat.

Step 6

Melt in the cheese: Turn off the heat, then add both cheddar and mozzarella cheese to your sauce, stirring until they dissolve completely. Taste the sauce and add salt according to your preference.

Step 7

Add an egg to the sauce: Crack an egg into your cheesy sauce and beat it quickly.

Step 8

Combine the pasta and sauce: Add your cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until it’s well-coated.

Step 9

Prepare your mac and cheese for baking: Pour your mac and cheese mixture into your baking pan. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top and then bake it in your preheated oven for around twenty to twenty-five minutes.

Enjoy your homemade southern mac and cheese!

👩🏽‍🍳 PRO TIPS

Cook the macaroni right: Boil the elbow macaroni for a couple of minutes less than suggested on the package. This prevents overcooking as the macaroni continues to cook in the oven.

Choose your cheese wisely: Opt for your favorite type of cheddar cheese, but remember that the sharpness decreases when added to the sauce. You can also mix it up with some mozzarella for a pleasant variety.

Shred your own cheese: While it may be convenient to use pre-shredded cheese, it tends to lose moisture, which can lead to a grainy cheese sauce. Shred your cheese at home to retain its freshness and creaminess.

Don’t cover while baking: To achieve a slightly crispy and bubbly top, avoid covering the macaroni and cheese while baking. If your oven runs too hot, cover the macaroni with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

Remove from oven immediately: Once your mac and cheese is baked, take it out of the oven immediately. Leaving it in to keep warm can make it dry and lumpy.

Add a crunchy top: For a delicious crunch, mix melted butter with half a cup of bread crumbs and sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese before baking.

📋 VARIATIONS

Try it with Bacon: If you’re a fan of bacon, this variation is for you. Simply cook and crumble a few strips of bacon and stir it into the macaroni and cheese before baking. The smoky, salty bacon adds a wonderful contrast to the creamy, cheesy pasta.

Make it Veggie: For those wanting to add some vegetables, this version is perfect. Add a cup of cooked peas or broccoli into the cheese sauce before mixing with the pasta. The vegetables provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich and creamy mac and cheese.

Add some Heat: If you love spicy food. Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. The heat from the pepper flakes will add a nice kick to the rich and creamy mac and cheese.

🍽️ HOW TO SERVE

• For a complete, comfort food dinner, pair this southern mac and cheese with a side of crispy fried chicken and a fresh green salad. The textures and flavors beautifully complement each other.
• If you’re hosting a BBQ, serve your southern mac and cheese as a hearty side dish. It pairs wonderfully with smoky, grilled meats and tangy BBQ sauces.
• For a casual, movie night at home, serve this southern mac and cheese with a side of garlic bread and a refreshing homemade lemonade. It’s a fun and satisfying combo that everyone will love.
• If you’re in the mood for seafood, try pairing your southern mac and cheese with a side of grilled shrimp or baked salmon, or Fried Fish Fillet. The delicate flavors of the seafood contrast nicely with the rich, cheesy macaroni.

💬 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

🌡️ STORING

Refrigerate: After enjoying your delicious homemade Southern mac and cheese, you may find yourself with leftovers. Store your leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Reheat Instructions: When you’re ready to enjoy your mac and cheese again, reheat it on the stove over medium heat. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to stir it every minute or so to ensure even heating. If the mac and cheese looks a bit dry, add a splash of milk to bring back its creaminess.

Freeze: Although freezing is an option, it’s not the best for mac and cheese. This is because the creamy, rich sauce tends to separate when frozen and thawed, leading to a grainy texture.

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⭐PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW

If you have tried this recipe and liked it, please give it a 5-star rating and leave a comment below with your experience!