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Description
A classic Southern Mac and Cheese recipe, baked to golden perfection. This dish is rich, creamy, and packed with cheesy flavor, making it a perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Optional: 1/2 cup pimentos, drained
- Optional: 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. If using, stir in the pimentos.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For an extra creamy mac and cheese, use a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gouda.
- Ensure your milk and cream are at room temperature for a smoother sauce.
- Don’t overcook the macaroni, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Southern Mac and Cheese, baked mac and cheese, creamy macaroni, comfort food, cheesy pasta, cheddar cheese, holiday side dish, potluck recipe, homemade mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese