How to Make Mac And Cheese Recipe Baked Southern – Easy Recipe
Master the Art of Making Mac and Cheese Recipe Baked Southern
If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting dish that the whole family will love, this mac and cheese recipe baked southern is the perfect solution for an easy weeknight meal. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a creamy, cheesy delight that’s not only kid approved but also budget friendly. This recipe is versatile too—whether you’re planning a family gathering or simply want a cozy dinner at home, it can easily be made ahead and stored for meal prep, ensuring you have a satisfying dish ready whenever you need it!
For a creamy and flavorful twist on your baked Southern mac and cheese, mix in a blend of sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, and top with crushed buttery crackers before baking for an irresistible crunch!
Gather Your Ingredients & Tools
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow Macaroni | 8 oz | Classic choice for mac and cheese; ensure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture in a baked dish. |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups | Use sharp cheddar for a richer flavor; perfect for a kid-approved family favorite. |
| Milk | 2 cups | Whole milk works best for creaminess; can be replaced with almond milk for a dairy-free option. |
| Butter | 4 tbsp | Provides a rich taste; consider using vegan butter for a dairy-free twist. |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/4 cup | Essential for the roux; can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup | Adds a nice crunch on top; use panko for extra crunch or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. |
Tips
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free without compromising on taste.
- Prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.
Essential tools: nonstick pan, medium pot, oven or air fryer, and a blender if needed.
These essentials keep the mac and cheese recipe baked southern balanced and consistent every time.
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How to Make Mac and Cheese Recipe Baked Southern Step by Step
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they become fragrant and translucent, adding a delicious depth to your mac and cheese recipe baked southern easy weeknight.
- After baking your mac and cheese recipe baked southern until golden and bubbly, taste a small portion and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or even a sprinkle of hot sauce to ensure it’s perfectly suited for your family-friendly dinner.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a perfectly baked dish for your mac and cheese recipe baked southern, keeping it budget friendly and delicious.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter, then whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a roux; gradually stir in 2 cups of milk, cooking until thickened, and mix in 2 cups of shredded cheese for a creamy finish—perfect for a mac and cheese recipe baked southern 15 minute prep!
- In a hot skillet, sear the breadcrumbs in butter until golden brown, adding a hint of garlic powder for extra flavor, to elevate your mac and cheese recipe baked southern 30 minute dinner.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, adding in spices like paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper to enhance the flavor; for a mac and cheese recipe baked southern make ahead, you can mix in cooked bacon or sautéed onions for an extra twist.
- Once the mac and cheese has baked to a golden perfection, remove it from the oven, let it cool slightly, and then scoop generous portions onto plates to serve; this mac and cheese recipe baked southern is not only comforting but also meal prep friendly, making it perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Chef tip: Season in layers and adjust to taste.
Flavor & Texture Secrets
| Flavor Element | Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Cheesy | Sharp Cheddar | Main Ingredient |
| Creamy | Heavy Cream | Binder |
| Comforting | Pasta | Base |
| Quick | Pre-cooked Chicken | Protein |
| Kid Approved | Breadcrumb Topping | Crisp Element |
- Add-ins: herbs, spices, citrus zest, and dressings.
This fiber-rich combo makes it both filling and nutritious.
How to Serve Mac and Cheese Recipe Baked Southern
- Meal prep friendly.
- Brunch-ready bowl.
- Family dinner crowd-pleaser.
| Occasion | Pairing Dish | Beverage |
|---|---|---|
| Birthday Celebration | Chocolate Cake | Champagne |
| Summer Picnic | Caprese Salad | Sangria |
| Cozy Movie Night | Popcorn | Red Wine |
Explore related ideas here: more recipes. This reinforces mac and cheese recipe baked southern enjoyment.
Serving Size Adjustments
| Ingredient | x1 | x2 | x4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Grain | 1 cup | 2 cups | 4 cups |
| Protein | 1 serving | 2 servings | 4 servings |
| Veggies | 2 cups | 4 cups | 8 cups |
Scaling preserves the nutrition balance of mac and cheese recipe baked southern and its components (e.g., fiber/protein ratio). Try a batch cook for weeklong ease.
Allergy-Friendly & Diet Swaps
| Variant | Swap | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | As written | Balanced texture and flavor |
| Vegan | Use tofu or legumes | Plant protein emphasis |
| Gluten-Free | Use GF grains | Check labels for cross-contamination |
| Keto | Swap grains for greens | Keep fats moderate |
- Swap smartly to maintain structure.
- Adjust seasoning to fit each variant.
This ensures mac and cheese recipe baked southern fits your dietary needs.
Troubleshooting: Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Issue: Difficulty in finding a quick meal option for busy weeknights — Fix: Try a mac and cheese recipe baked southern 15 minute prep that combines quick cooking pasta with a creamy cheese sauce.
- Issue: Family members have different dietary needs — Fix: Adapt a mac and cheese recipe baked southern by offering a gluten free option or a dairy free option to cater to everyone.
- Issue: Need for a budget-friendly meal that satisfies a crowd — Fix: Use a mac and cheese recipe baked southern family friendly that utilizes affordable ingredients and can be made in bulk.
- Issue: Struggling to find meals that kids will actually eat — Fix: Create a mac and cheese recipe baked southern kid approved by adding fun toppings or mix-ins that appeal to younger palates.
Keep mac and cheese recipe baked southern balanced with mindful timing and seasoning.
Nutritional Highlights
| Calories | ~450 |
| Protein | ~20g |
| Carbs | ~55g |
| Fat | ~15g |
| Fiber | ~12g |
| Key Nutrients | Iron, Vitamin C, Folate |
- Fiber-packed and satiating.
- Protein-rich for recovery.
- Balanced bowl for daily energy.
Dietitian tip: Keep the mac and cheese recipe baked southern colorful and balanced for micronutrients.
Key Takeaways
- Main technique: build layers with mac and cheese recipe baked southern.
- Nutritional benefit: emphasize mac and cheese recipe baked southern easy weeknight.
- Texture/taste: contrast crunchy and creamy elements.
- Serving flexibility: great for meal prep or sharing.
- Prep efficiency: use batch-cooked bases.
Faqs
- Q: What is a great mac and cheese recipe baked southern that is easy for weeknight dinners?
For an easy weeknight baked Southern mac and cheese, combine cooked elbow macaroni with a creamy cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and milk. Stir in seasonings like garlic powder and paprika, then transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and additional cheese, then bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. This comforting dish is perfect for a quick family dinner!
- Q: What is a delicious and family-friendly mac and cheese recipe baked southern style that everyone will love?
For a deliciously creamy and cheesy baked Southern mac and cheese that’s perfect for the whole family, start by cooking elbow macaroni until al dente. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually add milk and shredded cheddar cheese for a rich sauce. Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce, pour into a greased baking dish, and top with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish. Bake at 350
- Q: What is a budget-friendly mac and cheese recipe baked southern style?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Southern baked mac and cheese recipe, start by cooking elbow macaroni until al dente. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually add milk and shredded cheddar cheese until creamy. Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce, transfer to a baking dish, and top with additional cheese and breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish. Bake at 350°F for about 20-25
- Q: What is a quick and delicious mac and cheese recipe baked southern that can be prepared in just 15 minutes?
If you’re craving a comforting dish that embodies Southern flavors, try this Southern baked mac and cheese recipe that boasts a quick 15-minute prep time. Start by cooking your choice of pasta until al dente, then mix it with a blend of creamy cheeses like sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, along with milk and a touch of butter for richness. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy finish, and bake
- Q: What’s a quick and delicious mac and cheese recipe baked southern for a 30 minute dinner?
If you’re craving a comforting dish that captures the essence of Southern cooking, try this quick and easy baked mac and cheese recipe. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a creamy blend of elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar, and a touch of Southern flair with ingredients like cream cheese and a crispy breadcrumb topping for that perfect crunch. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, this mac and cheese is sure to become a family favorite!
Mac and Cheese Recipe Baked Southern |
|
|---|---|
| dinner-recipes.store | |
| Love it? Save this recipe for future delicious moments! | |
| Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | |
Ingredients |
|
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Elbow Macaroni | 8 oz |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Butter | 4 tbsp |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
Directions |
|
| Step 1: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they become fragrant and translucent, adding a delicious depth to your mac and cheese recipe baked southern easy weeknight. | |
| Step 2: After baking your mac and cheese recipe baked southern until golden and bubbly, taste a small portion and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or even a sprinkle of hot sauce to ensure it’s perfectly suited for your family-friendly dinner. | |
| Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a perfectly baked dish for your mac and cheese recipe baked southern, keeping it budget friendly and delicious. | |
| Step 4: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter, then whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a roux; gradually stir in 2 cups of milk, cooking until thickened, and mix in 2 cups of shredded cheese for a creamy finish—perfect for a mac and cheese recipe baked southern 15 minute prep! | |
| Step 5: In a hot skillet, sear the breadcrumbs in butter until golden brown, adding a hint of garlic powder for extra flavor, to elevate your mac and cheese recipe baked southern 30 minute dinner. | |
| Step 6: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, adding in spices like paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper to enhance the flavor; for a mac and cheese recipe baked southern make ahead, you can mix in cooked bacon or sautéed onions for an extra twist. | |
| Step 7: Once the mac and cheese has baked to a golden perfection, remove it from the oven, let it cool slightly, and then scoop generous portions onto plates to serve; this mac and cheese recipe baked southern is not only comforting but also meal prep friendly, making it perfect for enjoying throughout the week. | |
Final Thoughts
mac and cheese recipe baked southern brings comfort and flavor to every table. Save and share your twist with fresh ideas and a mindful balance.
Pin this mac and cheese recipe baked southern and try your twist with mac and cheese recipe baked southern kid approved today.
