Introduction to Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Why Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a Comfort Food Favorite
When you think of comfort food, Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is likely one of the first dishes that comes to mind. It's not just a meal; it's a heartfelt experience that evokes memories of family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and warm kitchens filled with laughter and the aroma of melting cheese. This dish brings comfort in every creamy bite, making it a quintessential part of southern cuisine, celebrated for its rich flavors and soul-soothing qualities.
The secret to its deliciousness lies in the combination of cheeses and the egg-milk custard that binds it all together. The Velveeta adds that wonderful creaminess, while the combination of sharp and mild cheddar cheeses elevates the flavors to new heights. And let’s not forget about the crispy, golden top that forms when baked to perfection!
It's also versatile: whether as a side alongside your favorite fried chicken or a hearty main dish, it delights the palate in so many ways. As part of the soul food tradition, Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is not just satisfying for the stomach; it feeds the soul, too—making it an enduring favorite among people of all ages. Want to try making it yourself? Dive into the full recipe below!
Ingredients for Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
When it comes to creating a comforting dish like Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese, having the right ingredients is key. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this creamy, cheesy delight that’s sure to impress your friends and family!
Essential Pasta and Dairy
- Elbow Macaroni: 8 to 10 ounces, cooked al dente for that perfect bite.
- Whole Milk: ½ cup adds richness to the custard base.
- Evaporated Milk: 1 (12-ounce) can brings a delightful creaminess.
- Eggs: 2, lightly beaten to help bind the cheese and pasta together.
Flavor Boosters and Cheeses
- White Pepper: 1½ teaspoons for subtle heat.
- Granulated Sugar: 1½ teaspoons to balance flavors.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon or to taste.
- Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), cut into small pieces for that gooey texture.
- Sour Cream: 2 tablespoons for extra creaminess.
- Velveeta: ½ pound, cut into chunks to lend a smooth melt.
- Cheddar and Colby-Jack Cheese: 20 ounces combined (blend of flavors and textures).
These ingredients come together to create a dish that embodies the heart of Southern cuisine. For more baking tips, check out resources from Southern Living to enhance your culinary skills.
Preparing Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
If you're looking to whip up a cozy, soul-satisfying dish, Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is the way to go. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. Let’s dive into the preparation process step-by-step!
Cook the macaroni
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once it’s at a rolling boil, don’t forget to salt it generously—this adds flavor directly to the pasta! Add in about 8 to 10 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook it just shy of the package instructions to ensure it’s al dente. This will give your macaroni the perfect bite when baked. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and transfer it into a 9" by 13" baking dish.
Create the egg-milk custard
In the same pot (less dishes, yay!), whisk together the essentials for your custard: ½ cup of whole milk, a 12-ounce can of evaporated milk, and 2 lightly beaten eggs. Add in 1½ teaspoons of white pepper, 1½ teaspoons of granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste). This custard is what makes your macaroni and cheese luscious and creamy. Pour this buttery goodness over the macaroni in your baking dish, making sure it covers the pasta evenly.
Combine the cheeses
Now comes arguably the most exciting part: the cheese! Grab your Velveeta, Colby-Jack, sharp cheddar, and mild cheddar. For authentic flavor, cut ½ pound of Velveeta into small chunks and roughly shred 8 ounces of Colby-Jack cheese (or mix 4 ounces of Colby and 4 ounces of Monterey Jack). Also, shred 4 ounces of sharp cheddar and 1 cup of mild cheddar—the gooier, the better!
Mix all ingredients together
Stir the cheese goodness, along with ½ cup (1 stick) of butter (cut into small pieces) and 2 tablespoons of sour cream, into the macaroni mixture until everything is well combined. The combination of cheeses is key to that melty, rich mouthfeel that’s signature to Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mild cheddar on top for an extra cheesy crust!
Bake to perfection
Finally, pop the dish into your preheated oven at 350ºF and let it bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The goal is to see some bubbling and a light golden-brown top, signaling deliciousness is on the way. Once out of the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes. This little pause ensures everything holds together for that first glorious scoop!
And there you have it—a winning dish of Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese that’s sure to impress. For more ideas to pair with this mac and cheese, check out this article about making the best southern sides. Enjoy!
Variations on Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Adding Turkey Bacon for Crunch
Looking to elevate your Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese? Consider adding some crispy, savory turkey bacon! Before mixing it with your cheesy goodness, cook the turkey bacon until crispy and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Stir it into your dish for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy texture. Not only does it add a flavor boost, but it also provides that satisfying bite we all crave!
Incorporating Vegetables for Added Nutrition
Why not sneak in some veggies for a healthier twist on your classic dish? Broccoli or spinach are fantastic choices; they not only pack a nutritional punch but also bring vibrant color. Just steam the veggies lightly before adding them to your macaroni and cheese mixture. You'll have a well-rounded meal that’s both delicious and good for you. Plus, you can feel a little less guilty indulging in that cheesy comfort food!
Cooking Tips and Notes for Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
When preparing Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese, keep these tips in mind for a delicious dish:
- Use Velveeta: Many swear by the creamy texture Velveeta brings—don’t skimp on this key ingredient. It's essential for that rich sauce!
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-packaged cheese is convenient, but freshly grated cheese melts better, giving you that silky mouthfeel.
- Let It Rest: After baking, allow the mac and cheese to rest for about 10 minutes to thicken up and make serving easier.
- Versatile Dish: This dish is filling enough to stand alone as a main course or as a delightful side to fried chicken or collard greens.
For more tips and inspiration, check out Serious Eats on cheese blending.
Serving suggestions for Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a rich, comforting dish that can be the star of any meal! Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
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Complementary Sides: Pair it with collard greens, a fresh salad, or even crispy turkey bacon for a Southern twist. These side dishes balance the richness with freshness.
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Entrees: Serve alongside chicken ham, fried chicken, or barbecue beef for a hearty feast. The creamy macaroni offsets the savory notes of these proteins perfectly.
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Garnishing: A sprinkle of paprika or chopped green onions on top before serving adds flavor and a splash of color!
These thoughtful touches make your Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese not just a dish, but a complete experience. For an extra kick, consider serving it with a tart apple cider vinegar slaw.
Time breakdown for Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Preparation time
This delicious Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese requires about 20 minutes of prep time. This includes gathering ingredients, boiling the macaroni, and mixing everything together in the baking dish.
Cooking time
Once you've prepped, get ready to bake! The cooking time is approximately 40 minutes. You'll want to keep an eye on it as it blends all those cheesy flavors.
Total time
In total, you're looking at around 1 hour to create this delightful dish from start to finish. In no time, you’ll have a soul food classic that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy meal at home. How easy is that? If you're interested in more recipes, check out this baked ziti for a fun variation!
Nutritional Facts for Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
When it comes to comfort food, Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is hard to beat! It’s rich and cheesy, yet it also packs a punch with its nutritional features. Here's a quick overview of what you'll find in a serving:
Calories
Each serving contains approximately 471 calories, making it a hearty option that’s sure to satisfy your cravings while enjoying your meal.
Protein
You’ll find about 22 grams of protein in this cheesy delight. This is a great way to add some muscle-building nutrition to your plate—a must-have for any active lifestyle!
Sodium
Keep an eye on the salt content: with 889 milligrams of sodium per serving, it’s best to balance this dish with fresh vegetables or lean proteins to keep your overall meal healthy.
Pair Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese with a side of fresh greens or fruit for a more rounded meal. If you'd like to explore more about the health benefits of cheese and pasta, check out this article by the American Dairy Association. Enjoy your comforting dish while being mindful of nutrition!
FAQs about Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Can I use different cheese varieties?
Absolutely! While the classic Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe uses Velveeta and a blend of shredded cheeses, you can mix it up based on personal taste. Consider trying pepper jack for a little heat, or gouda for a rich flavor. Just ensure you keep a melt-friendly cheese in the mix for that signature creamy texture!
How do I store leftover macaroni and cheese?
Leftover macaroni and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or bake it in the oven with a splash of milk to help rejuvenate the creaminess.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it into the oven to ensure even cooking. This dish is perfect for gatherings or meal prep!
For more tips on storing and reheating, check out resources like the USDA's storage guidelines.
Conclusion on Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
In all its cheesy glory, Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is more than just a side dish; it's a celebration of flavors and comfort. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe will impress your friends and family alike. So go ahead, dig in, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Equipment
- large pot
- 9" x 13" baking dish
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 ounces elbow macaroni
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 can (12-ounce) evaporated milk
- 2 pieces eggs, lightly beaten
- 1½ teaspoons white pepper
- 1½ teaspoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ cup butter, cut into small pieces (1 stick)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- ½ pound Velveeta, cut into small chunks do not use a substitute
- 8 ounces shredded Colby-Jack cheese or 4 ounces Colby and 4 ounces Monterey Jack
- 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º. Bring large pot of water to boil and then salt generously. Cook macaroni just shy of package directions, al dente. Drain well and place in 9" by 13" baking dish or pan.
- In same pasta pot, whisk together whole milk, evaporated milk, eggs, salt, pepper and sugar until combined. Pour mixture over cooked macaroni in pan.
- Add butter, sour cream, Velveeta, Colby-Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses. Stir to combine well and top evenly with shredded mild cheddar.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned on top. Let rest 10 minutes or so before serving. Enjoy!
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