Quick Benefits
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy goodness with a rich, baked texture. It is a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, holiday feasts, and potluck dinners. This dish is packed with flavor and offers a fulfilling meal that can be served as a main dish or a side. The best part? It’s easy to prepare and can be customized to your liking.
Essential Ingredients
To make this delicious Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, you will need:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 package Velveeta Original Loaf, cut into chunks
- 1-1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup butter
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the Velveeta cheese with milk over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Temper the Eggs: Whisk the eggs in a small bowl. Slowly add a spoonful of the warm cheese sauce to the eggs, whisking continuously. Mix the egg blend back into the cheese sauce.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread half of the cooked macaroni in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, add slices of butter, and top with half of the shredded cheeses. Pour half of the cheese sauce over it. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool slightly before serving.
Health Benefits
While this dish is indulgent, it provides essential nutrients, including calcium from cheese, protein from eggs and dairy, and energy-sustaining carbohydrates from pasta. You can make it healthier by using whole wheat pasta, reduced-fat cheese, or adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli.
Serving Suggestions
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese pairs wonderfully with:
- Fried or roasted chicken
- Collard greens
- Cornbread
- Barbecue ribs
- A fresh green salad
For extra appeal, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.
Creative Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Meaty Version: Mix in cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken.
- Veggie Boost: Add roasted peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for best results, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Pro Tips
- Shred your own cheese for better meltability and avoid pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents.
- Allow the mac and cheese to rest before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- Use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes! Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: How do I prevent my mac and cheese from drying out? A: Use enough cheese sauce and avoid overbaking. Covering with foil while baking can help retain moisture.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese? A: Absolutely! Gouda, mozzarella, or Colby Jack make great substitutes.
Enjoy this classic Southern dish and impress your family and friends with its rich, cheesy goodness!
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Southern Baked Mac And Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Dish
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is a rich, creamy, and cheesy dish that is a staple in Southern cuisine. Made with a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Velveeta cheeses, this comfort food favorite is baked to golden perfection. With layers of pasta, butter, and a smooth cheese sauce, it delivers a deliciously indulgent experience. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, it’s sure to be a hit at family dinners, holidays, and gatherings.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 package Velveeta Original Loaf, cut into chunks
1–1/4 cup milk
2 large eggs
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the cooked macaroni and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Make sure to let it drain thoroughly.
In a medium saucepan, combine the chunks of Velveeta cheese and milk. Heat this mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until the cheese melts and becomes smooth. Remove the saucepan from heat and set it aside.
In a small bowl, whisk the eggs until they are well beaten. Slowly add a scoop of the warm cheese sauce to the egg mixture, whisking continuously to temper the eggs. Once combined, add this egg mixture back into the remaining cheese sauce in the saucepan, whisking until fully incorporated.
Begin layering! Place half of the cooked macaroni evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to your liking. Place thin slices of butter over the macaroni. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over it. Pour half of the cheese sauce on top.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining macaroni, seasoning, butter, shredded cheeses, and cheese sauce.
Bake your mac and cheese uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until it is bubbly and the top is lightly browned.
Let the baked mac and cheese cool for a few moments before serving. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish / Main Dish
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: Approximately 450-500 calories per serving (depending on ingredient variations)
