Brunilda Schiavone
Mac and cheese is a classic dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Southern baked mac and cheese is a particularly delicious variation on this dish, and it is sure to please even the most discerning palate. This dish is made with a creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. It is the perfect comfort food for a cold winter night or a special occasion.
Southern baked mac and cheese is relatively easy to make, but there are a few tips that can help you achieve the best results. First, be sure to use high-quality ingredients. The cheese sauce is the most important part of the dish, so it is important to use a good quality cheese. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Second, be sure to cook the pasta al dente. This means that the pasta should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will make the dish mushy.
Ingredients for Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions for Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
- Stir in salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese until melted. Remove from heat and stir in cooked macaroni.
- Pour macaroni mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over macaroni mixture.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
This dish can be served immediately with a side salad. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips for Cooking or Baking Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
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1. Use a good quality cheese.
The cheese sauce is the most important part of the dish, so it is important to use a good quality cheese.
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2. Cook the pasta al dente.
This means that the pasta should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will make the dish mushy.
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3. Don’t overcook the cheese sauce.
The cheese sauce should be thick and creamy, but not rubbery. Overcooked cheese sauce will be tough and chewy.
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4. Let the dish rest before serving.
This will allow the flavors to meld and the dish to thicken slightly.
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5. Serve with a side salad.
A side salad will help to balance out the richness of the mac and cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions about Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta that you like. However, elbow macaroni is the traditional pasta for this dish.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it when you are ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with this dish?
A: Some good side dishes to serve with this dish include a side salad, green beans, or cornbread.
Southern baked mac and cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
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