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Whip up this Southern-style Baked Mac and Cheese the way grandma crafted it. You'll dig how the cheese wraps the pasta with gooey goodness, and it's spot-on for taking to family get-togethers or festive meals. Everyone keeps coming back for more of this beloved comfort dish.
What Makes This Cheesy Delight Special
This dish uses everyday items you've likely got in your pantry right now, and it won't empty your wallet. When you combine soft macaroni with a velvety cheese sauce and pop it in the oven till it's browned, you create something truly magical. Throw it together for your upcoming holiday feast or whenever you're craving something hearty - your crew will definitely thank you.
Ingredients List
- Macaroni: A single package, roughly 16 ounces
- Butter: One tbsp for pasta and a whole stick for your mixture
- Flour: Half cup to thicken everything up
- Milk: Four cups, full-fat works greatest
- Salt: Only a teaspoon
- Paprika: One teaspoon for attractive coloring
- Black Pepper: Half teaspoon
- Hot Sauce: A tiny splash to boost the cheese flavor
- Cheddar Cheese: Five cups - shred a block yourself for best results
Cooking Instructions
- Begin Here:
- Start by cooking your macaroni and warming your oven to 375. Once you've drained the noodles, mix in a tablespoon of butter to prevent clumping.
- Create Your Base:
- In a large saucepan, melt a stick of butter then mix in the flour. Cook them together until you notice a toasty aroma.
- Pour In Liquid:
- Gradually add your milk while continuously stirring. Let it simmer gently for around 10 minutes until it thickens enough to stick to your wooden spoon.
- Add The Goodness:
- Reduce heat and fold in your salt, paprika, pepper, hot sauce, and four cups of cheese. Keep that last cup separate for topping.
- Combine Everything:
- Stir your cooked noodles into the cheese mixture until they're completely covered.
- Prep For Oven:
- Transfer the whole mix to a casserole dish and scatter that remaining cup of cheese across the surface.
- Complete The Dish:
- Bake around 30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Want extra crunch? Turn on your broiler for a minute or two at the end.
Nostalgic Comfort Food
Don't you remember when your mom would cook mac and cheese and everything smelled fantastic? This version brings those warm feelings back. It's nothing like boxed stuff - we're talking real, flavorful cheese and fresh components that create something truly memorable. Nobody leaves a bite behind when this hits the table.
Holiday Table Essential
A holiday spread just isn't complete without some mac and cheese. Set it beside your turkey or ham, and watch it get scooped up fast. Even with all the other tasty dishes around, this one always runs out first. Better make a double batch if you've got guests coming over.
Ultimate Creaminess Tips
Wanna know how to get unbelievably creamy mac and cheese? First off, shred cheese yourself - it melts way better than packaged stuff. Then keep stirring your sauce until every lump disappears before you add pasta. And always go heavy on the cheese - this isn't the time to hold back.
Custom Variations
You can switch things around to suit your taste. Need a gluten-free version? Just swap in alternative pasta and flour. Want more kick? Throw in extra hot sauce or try some pepper jack. For added crunch on top, sprinkle some crushed crackers before it goes in the oven. Adjust it to match what your family enjoys.
Storing Extras
If you happen to have some left (and that rarely happens), store it in a container in your fridge for up to four days. When reheating, add a bit of milk first to keep that creamy texture. You can even stick it in the freezer if needed, just let it thaw overnight in the fridge before warming it up again.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can it be prepped ahead of time?
Put it all together, but don’t bake yet. Cover and chill in the fridge. Pop it in the oven when ready, letting it warm first. Add fresh cheese on top before baking.
- → What if I need a gluten-free version?
Use gluten-free pasta and replace regular flour with corn starch. Adjust the cooking time as needed—double-check all your ingredients! It still turns out creamy.
- → Could I add extra ingredients?
Sure! Small bits of crisp bacon or pre-cooked chicken are great additions. Just make sure to avoid anything watery.
- → If I don’t have the same cheese?
Most cheeses that melt well work fine. Mixing a few types is even better. Use sharper ones for flavor and softer ones for richness—always grate fresh!
- → Why is my sauce lumpy?
Keep the heat low while stirring constantly. Grate your cheese super fine and add it slowly. Fresh cheese melts smoothly.
- → What if the top gets too dark?
Keep an eye on it. Cover the dish with foil, lower the heat, or move it to a lower rack in the oven if needed.
- → How do I take it to an event?
Wrap it well to keep it warm. Bring extra grated cheese to add freshness when reheated. A splash of milk might help bring it back to life if it dries out.
- → Is there a quicker way to make this?
Cook your pasta while the sauce is coming together. Top with cheese right before baking in a hot oven for a shorter time. Skip long cooking entirely!
- → What changes for a larger portion?
Everything doubles fine, just grab a bigger baking dish. Ensure you make enough sauce, too. It might take a bit longer in the oven.
- → How can I add more flavor?
Spice it up with garlic cloves, extra seasoning, or hot sauce. Experiment with herb blends or try topping it off with crispy onions or breadcrumbs.
- → What to do if it’s too dry?
Add a generous amount of sauce to start. Don’t over-bake, cover it to keep the steam in, or save some pasta water to add. A splash of warm milk works wonders too.
- → How can I make this kid-friendly?
Stick to mild cheeses and skip ingredients that can look “weird.” Use plenty of sauce and trim off any overly crunchy bits to keep it appealing for the little ones.
Conclusion
Craving more? Try a creamy veggie pasta next, or even a spinach-style bake. Both hit the comfort spot.