How to Make Cheesy Southern Mac and Cheese
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Southern Baked Mac and Cheese makes the perfect side dish for any meal! This rich and creamy recipe is expected at every family gathering and Sunday dinner!
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Southern Mac and Cheese
Everyone needs to have a good mac and cheese recipe in their recipe file. This recipe is a family favorite side dish, and it's one that I've shared so many times over the years that it deserves its own post on my blog.
Although this recipe does take a little bit of time to make, it's not difficult. Trust me, the results are totally worth the time!
Rich, creamy, cheesy, and on the verge of decadence, this mac and cheese recipe is perfect for family gatherings, holidays, potlucks, or just an addition to Sunday dinner! They don't call it comfort food for nothing.
Recipe for Southern Mac and Cheese
- elbow macaroni
- shredded Cheddar cheese
- shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Velveeta Original Loaf,
- milk
- large eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- butter
How to make Southern Mac and Cheese
Time needed:1 hour and 15 minutes.
How to make Southern Mac and Cheese
- Preheat.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-in. baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook and drain noodles.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions and drain. Rinse the noodles with cold water to cool and stop the cooking process and allow them to drain.
- Melt and stir.
Place the Velveeta and the milk into a medium saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until the cheese is melted, stirring often. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Temper the eggs.
Crack the eggs into a small bowl and whisk until combined. Add a scoop (about ⅓ to ½ cup) of the cheese sauce to the eggs to temper them, whisking well as you add the cheese sauce. Quickly add the egg mixture to the remainder of the cheese sauce in the pan, whisking until well combined.
- Assemble the casserole.
Place half of the macaroni into the prepared pan. Season with salt and pepper. Slice half of the stick of butter into thin pieces and place the butter pats evenly on top of the macaroni. Sprinkle half of the Cheddar and half of the Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Ladle or pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the top. Repeat the layers – macaroni, salt and pepper, butter, Cheddar, and Monterey Jack, cheese sauce.
- Bake.
Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and the top is lightly browned.
Southern Mac and Cheese: FAQs
If you run into any problems or if you would like some suggestions, be sure to read this section before leaving a comment.
Can this dish be made ahead?
Sure. It's good in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can! You actually have two choices here. You can either freeze it after baking – or freeze it before baking! The best way to thaw frozen mac and cheese is overnight in the fridge.
What are some good seasonings for mac and cheese?
I usually stick to salt and pepper – but sometimes I add Italian seasoning, Creole/Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, or chili powder & cumin. Also, finely diced jalapenos, cooked and crumbled bacon, tuna and peas, or hot dogs are a great way to change things up. Or you can add breadcrumbs on the top if that is your thing!
Can you rebake leftovers?
Yes! Place the leftovers in a baking dish coated with cooking spray or oil. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! This recipe easily doubles – just make sure you have a pan large enough to hold all of the noodles, cheese, and sauce. Or, divide it between two baking dishes!
Have mercy, doesn't this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese hit the spot?! It's a staple at many of our family get-togethers and at every holiday meal! It's also great when we're craving down-home comfort food for Sunday dinner.
If you made this recipe, I would love for you to leave a comment down below letting me know your thoughts! Other readers often look for feedback from other readers who have made the recipe.
If you run into any problems, I am more than happy to try to troubleshoot how to fix it. Just let me know!
Other recipes you may enjoy
- Perfect Southern Sweet Iced Tea (Never Bitter)
- Easy Southern Peach Cobbler
- Southern Bacon-Fried Cabbage
- Southern Cornbread
- Southern-Style Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 lb. elbow macaroni
- 2 cups (8 oz.) Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups (8 oz.) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 pkg. (16 oz.) Velveeta Original Loaf, cut into chunks
- 1-1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9x13-in. baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions and drain. Rinse the noodles with cold water to cool and stop the cooking process and allow them to drain.
- Place the Velveeta and the milk into a medium saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until the cheese is melted, stirring often. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Crack the eggs into a small bowl and whisk until combined. Add a scoop (about ⅓ to ½ cup) of the cheese sauce to the eggs to temper them, whisking well as you add the cheese sauce. Quickly add the egg mixture to the remainder of the cheese sauce in the pan, whisking until well combined.
- Place half of the macaroni into the prepared pan. Season with salt and pepper. Slice half of the stick of butter into thin pieces and place the butter pats evenly on top of the macaroni. Sprinkle half of the Cheddar and half of the Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Ladle or pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the top. Repeat the layers - macaroni, salt and pepper, butter, Cheddar, and Monterey Jack, cheese sauce.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and the top is lightly browned.
Notes
Seasonings: I usually stick to salt and pepper - but sometimes I add Italian seasoning, Creole/Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, or chili powder & cumin. Also, finely diced jalapenos, cooked and crumbled bacon, tuna and peas, or hot dogs are a great way to change things up. Or you can add breadcrumbs on the top if that is your thing!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 151 Total Fat: 6g Saturated Fat: 3g Trans Fat: 0g Unsaturated Fat: 2g Cholesterol: 47mg Sodium: 141mg Carbohydrates: 16g Fiber: 1g Sugar: 0g Protein: 8g
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary greatly between brands. Always be sure to read labels.
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How to Make Cheesy Southern Mac and Cheese
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