The Secret to Delicious Southern Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a classic southern comfort food that is loved by everyone. Whether you are looking to impress your guests at a dinner party or just craving something deliciously cheesy, mac and cheese is the perfect choice. However, not everyone knows how to make southern mac and cheese the traditional way. In this article, we will show you how to make southern mac and cheese step-by-step in a relaxed and easy-to-understand language.

The secret to making the perfect southern mac and cheese lies in the cheese sauce. The cheese sauce should be rich, creamy, and flavorful. To make the cheese sauce, you will need a combination of sharp cheddar, white cheddar, and cream cheese. Using a combination of cheeses will give your mac and cheese a more complex flavor. To make the sauce even creamier, you can add heavy cream or whole milk. The secret to making a smooth cheese sauce is to melt the cheese slowly over low heat while whisking constantly.

Ingredients:

To create the perfect southern-style mac and cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1. Macaroni pasta
2. Cheese – cheddar, Monterrey jack, and Parmesan
3. Milk
4. Butter
5. Flour
6. Mustard
7. Salt
8. Pepper
9. Paprika
10. Breadcrumbs

Step 1: Cook the macaroni pasta

The first step is to cook the macaroni pasta according to the directions on the package. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

To make the cheese sauce, start by melting the butter in a saucepan. Once melted, add the flour and whisk until the mixture becomes a paste. Gradually add the milk and continue whisking until the mixture becomes smooth.

Next, add the mustard, salt, and pepper to the mixture and whisk together. Once everything has combined, add the grated cheese to the pan and stir until melted. Remove the pan from the heat.

Step 3: Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce

Now it’s time to combine the pasta with the cheese sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until combined. If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk.

Step 4: Add the finishing touches

To add a little extra flavour, sprinkle some paprika over the mixture and mix well. Next, top the mixture with breadcrumbs.

Step 5: Bake the mac and cheese

Preheat your oven to 375°F/190°C. Put the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve

Once the mac and cheese is done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Variations:

If you want to switch things up, try adding some extra ingredients to your mac and cheese. Here are some ideas:

1. Bacon – add some chopped bacon to the mixture before baking
2. Jalapenos – add some sliced jalapenos for a spicy twist
3. Broccoli – add some chopped broccoli to the mixture to make it healthier
4. Lobster – add some cooked lobster meat for a luxurious mac and cheese dish

Tips:

– Be sure to use full-fat milk for the cheese sauce.
– Don’t overcook the pasta. Cook until it’s al-dente.
– Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite combination.
– For added cheesiness, top the mac and cheese with extra grated cheese before baking.
– If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, store it covered in the fridge for up to 2 days, then bake it when needed.

Ingredients for Southern Mac and Cheese

Once you have decided that you want to indulge in some Southern-style mac and cheese, the next step is to gather all the ingredients needed to whip up this delicious dish. Here is a list of some of the key ingredients that you will need to have in your kitchen to make a mouth-watering mac and cheese Southern style:

1. Elbow macaroni: Start by boiling half a packet of elbow macaroni in a pot of salted water until it is cooked but still firm. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.

2. Butter: In a saucepan, melt 4 ounces of butter at medium heat.

3. Flour: Add half a cup of flour to the melted butter and whisk it well until it becomes a paste-like mixture.

4. Milk: Gradually pour in 4 cups of milk while whisking continuously to avoid any lumps.

5. Cheese: Add 3 cups of grated cheddar cheese, 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup of grated monterey jack cheese to the milk mixture. Keep whisking till the cheese has melted.

6. Salt and Pepper: Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add other spices such as paprika, garlic powder, and mustard powder.

7. Panko breadcrumbs: Mix 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.

8. Parmesan cheese: Grate 1 cup of Parmesan cheese and set it aside.

9. Bacon: Cook 8 strips of bacon till they are crispy and chop them into small pieces.

10. Parsley: Finely chop a handful of fresh parsley.

By having all these ingredients handy, you can easily follow the recipe and make Southern-style mac and cheese that will leave your taste buds craving more. The next step is to learn how to put all these ingredients together to prepare this dish.

Ingredients for Southern Mac and Cheese

When it comes to traditional Southern Mac and Cheese, the ingredients are simple, yet crucial to achieving that classic, creamy and savory taste.

Elbow macaroni

The foundation of any Mac and Cheese recipe is the pasta. In this case, you’ll want to select elbow macaroni. The shape of the pasta helps trap the sauce and cheese, making every bite as flavorful as the last.

Cook the pasta to al dente, meaning it’s still a bit firm when you bite into it. Overcooked pasta will result in a soggy casserole.

Cheese

The key ingredient that makes mac and cheese irresistible is the cheese. The recipe calls for 4 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded. It’s important to shred the cheese yourself from a block, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of your sauce.

Parmesan cheese is also added for a boost of flavor. Be sure to grate it fresh for optimal taste.

The sauce

To make the sauce, melt 1/2 cup of butter in a saucepan over low heat, then add 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. Whisk the two together until smooth and cook for about 2 minutes while stirring constantly.

Add 4 cups of whole milk, ground mustard, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Continue stirring constantly and cook until the mixture becomes thick and bubbly.

Assembling the dish

Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it and add it to the pan with the sauce, stirring to combine. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan to the mixture, stirring until the cheese is melted and the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.

Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Customization options

Southern mac and cheese is a simple, classic dish, but it leaves plenty of room to add your own twist. You can mix in cooked and crumbled bacon pieces, sautéed spinach, diced tomatoes, or even diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, gouda, or even blue cheese. Just be sure to keep the basic ratio of cheese to sauce the same for a creamy and delicious Southern mac and cheese dish every time.

Time to Dig In!

And that’s how you make a soulful pot of Southern mac and cheese that’ll make your taste buds say “Yum!” I hope you enjoyed reading this recipe as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you. Now, grab yourself a fork and dig in! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your family and friends, and be sure to visit again soon for more tasty recipes. Thanks for stopping by!