Grandma’s Southern Baked Mac & Cheese is a comforting and classic dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. This easy homemade recipe is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it a perfect side dish or main course for any occasion. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make Grandma’s Southern Baked Mac & Cheese step by step, so you can enjoy this delicious dish with your loved ones.
Ingredients for Grandma’s Southern Baked Mac & Cheese
- 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup (115g) butter
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (960ml) whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 cups (450g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons (30g) butter, melted
How to Make Grandma’s Southern Baked Mac & Cheese
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Gradually whisk in the milk, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook and stir until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
- Add the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake the Mac & Cheese: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of Grandma’s Southern Baked Mac & Cheese!
About the Main Ingredients
Understanding the main ingredients in Grandma’s Southern Baked Mac & Cheese can help you appreciate the flavors and textures they bring to this classic dish.
Elbow Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is the traditional pasta used in macaroni and cheese. Its small, curved shape allows the cheese sauce to cling to it, making each bite creamy and delicious.
Cheese: A combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses gives this macaroni and cheese its rich and cheesy flavor. Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor, while mozzarella and Monterey Jack add creaminess. Parmesan adds a nutty flavor and helps to brown the top of the dish.
Butter and Flour: Butter and flour are used to make a roux, which thickens the cheese sauce. This helps to create a creamy and smooth sauce that coats the macaroni evenly.
Milk: Whole milk is used to make the cheese sauce, adding richness and creaminess. Using whole milk ensures a creamy texture and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder are used to season the cheese sauce, adding depth of flavor and enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are sprinkled on top of the macaroni and cheese before baking. They add a crispy texture and a buttery flavor to the dish.
Grandma’s Southern Baked Mac & Cheese is a timeless dish that is sure to please a crowd. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and golden breadcrumb topping, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, this homemade recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So why not make a batch today and enjoy the comforting flavors of Grandma’s Southern Baked Mac & Cheese?
