Easy Southern Mac and Cheese: A Comforting Dish with a Southern Twist
Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations. While there are countless variations of this classic dish, Southern mac and cheese stands out with its rich and creamy texture, bold flavors, and a touch of Southern charm. If you’re looking for an easy Southern mac and cheese recipe that will impress your family and friends, look no further. In this article, we’ll share a simple yet delicious Southern mac and cheese recipe that you can make in no time.
What Makes Southern Mac and Cheese Special?
Southern mac and cheese is known for its creamy and indulgent texture, which is achieved by using a combination of milk, heavy cream, and cheese. The key to a perfect Southern mac and cheese lies in the quality of the cheese, which typically includes cheddar, colby, and sometimes American cheese. These cheeses melt together to create a mouthwatering, golden-brown topping that perfectly complements the tender pasta below.
Ingredients for Easy Southern Mac and Cheese
To make this easy Southern mac and cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 8 ounces of elbow macaroni
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
– 2 cups of whole milk
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup of shredded colby cheese
– 1/2 cup of shredded American cheese
– 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons of melted butter
– Optional: paprika for garnish
How to Make Easy Southern Mac and Cheese
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s dive into the easy Southern mac and cheese recipe:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth, creating a roux.
4. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while constantly whisking to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the salt, black pepper, cheddar cheese, colby cheese, American cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
8. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
9. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
11. Optional: sprinkle with a pinch of paprika for a touch of color and flavor.
12. Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy Your Easy Southern Mac and Cheese
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making easy Southern mac and cheese, it’s time to enjoy this comforting dish. Serve it as a side dish with your favorite meats or as a main course with a side salad. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this easy Southern mac and cheese is sure to bring a touch of Southern warmth to your table. Happy cooking!
