Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring creamy elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses. Topped with a crispy panko crust, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. Its indulgent flavors and satisfying texture will have everyone reaching for seconds. Easy to prepare, it’s a staple that brings warmth and joy to any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the shredded cheeses until melted.
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, ensuring all noodles are well-coated.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, mix different cheeses like mozzarella or include cooked bacon bits. - Feel free to incorporate vegetables such as spinach or jalapeños for a nutritious twist.