In the realm of culinary comfort, few dishes evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth like Southern mac and cheese. This classic dish, a staple at family gatherings and potlucks, has its roots deeply embedded in the history and traditions of the American South. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, tender pasta, and often a golden-brown crust, Southern mac and cheese is a true delight for the senses. Whether you prefer a simple, traditional recipe or one with modern twists and variations, there's a Southern mac and cheese recipe out there to satisfy every palate. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey to discover the best Southern mac and cheese recipe that will tantalize your taste buds and create lasting memories.
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SOUTHERN BAKED MAC AND CHEESE
This rich and decadent baked pasta is a Southern Black staple for holidays and special occasions. Steering away from the standard stovetop mac, this version includes three kinds of cheese and bakes up like a casserole with a crispy, golden top. The addition of eggs makes it similar to a cheesy, savory custard. Warning: This is not diet food!
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 1h35m
Yield 10 to 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until 3 minutes less than fully cooked. Drain and rinse under cold water until cooled; drain well. Add the cooked pasta back to the pot.
- Put the eggs, heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, ground mustard, nutmeg and a big pinch of salt in a medium bowl and whisk to combine. Pour over the cooked pasta and stir to combine.
- Toss together the Cheddar, mozzarella and Gouda in a large bowl. Add the cheeses to the pot and stir to evenly combine. Transfer the mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
- Bake until the center of the mac and cheese is set and the top is golden brown, 60 to 70 minutes. Let cool about 10 minutes before serving.
MEL'S SOUTHERN MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, salt and pepper, creole seasoning, ritz cracker
Provided by Melissa Millikin
Categories Dinner
Time 30m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°C.
- Boil the macaroni as directed. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, and seasonings in a separate bowl. Then, mix in cheeses and once combined, add pasta.
- Spray an 8x8 or 9x13 baking dish and pour in pasta mixture. Add crushed Ritz crackers on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Let rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 629 calories, Carbohydrate 36 grams, Fat 44 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 21 grams, Sugar 3 grams
GRANDMA'S SOUTHERN MAC AND CHEESE
This is my grandmother's macaroni and cheese recipe that we all crave and only get to have twice a year, if we play our cards right. Fairly simple and straightforward. The key is cooking time more than anything.
Provided by Rhett Towles
Categories Side Dish
Time 48m
Yield 20
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.
- Layer some of the macaroni in a 5-quart baking dish; top with a layer of Cheddar cheese. Continue layering macaroni and Cheddar cheese into the dish, ending with a Cheddar cheese layer.
- Beat milk, eggs, and mustard together in a bowl; pour over macaroni mixture, ensuring milk mixture gets to all of the macaroni.
- Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and just before cheese around the sides gets crisp, 20 to 25 minutes. Season with black pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 477.8 calories, Carbohydrate 19.1 g, Cholesterol 143.3 mg, Fat 32.1 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 27.8 g, SaturatedFat 19.8 g, Sodium 599 mg, Sugar 2 g
Tips:
- Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will greatly impact the flavor of your mac and cheese. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a bold flavor, or a milder cheese like Gouda or Monterey Jack for a more subtle flavor.
- Cook the macaroni al dente: Macaroni should be cooked al dente, meaning it should be slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy when you bake it.
- Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the cheese sauce. Making a roux will help to prevent the cheese sauce from becoming lumpy.
- Use milk or cream: Milk or cream is used to thin the cheese sauce. Whole milk will produce a richer sauce, while skim milk will produce a lighter sauce.
- Season the cheese sauce: Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little bit of heat.
- Bake the mac and cheese until bubbly: Bake the mac and cheese until it is bubbly and the top is golden brown. This will take about 30 minutes.
- Let the mac and cheese cool slightly before serving: Let the mac and cheese cool slightly before serving so that it has a chance to set. This will prevent it from being too runny.
Conclusion:
Southern mac and cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and golden brown crust, it is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Whether you are making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a holiday gathering, this recipe is sure to please.
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