How to Make Southern Mac and Cheese 

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This article will guide you through crafting a delightful Southern mac and cheese recipe. This dish features the richness of fresh sharp cheddar cheese, complemented by the creamy goodness of butter and eggs.

My baked macaroni & cheese recipe has been in our family for as long as I can remember. We eat it on every holiday, along with the typical meats, squash casserole, creamed corn, and rice and gravy (pound cake or Coca-Cola cake for dessert). In our family the more dishes on the buffet the better!

When we lived in Minnesota and I got homesick for my family in the south, I would make this dish. The egg in this recipe gives the dish a slight custard/casserole texture that is good the first day and even better the next day. It is the ultimate comfort food.

Southern Mac and Cheese Recipe Ingredients

• Macaroni noodles
• Salted Butter
• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Dry mustard
• Sharp cheddar cheese (as my Grandma says: more is better!)
• Salt, Pepper, and ground red pepper

How to Make a Southern Mac and Cheese Recipe

Preheat oven. Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente, drain. Place chunks of butter (about 8-10 pieces) along the bottom of the baking dish. Pour half of the warm cooked noodles over the butter pieces. 

Whisk together egg, milk, mustard, salt and pepper.

Pour half of the milk and egg mixture over the noodles. Top with a portion of shredded cheese. Repeat with remaining noodles, liquid milk and egg mixture, and finally cheese. 

Bake for 30-45 minutes until cheese is melted and a little crispy. Serve warm as a side dish.

Recipe Quick Tips

• Use regular, not reduced-fat cheese, for the best texture and taste.
• Use a sharp cheese in block form. Pre-shredded cheese won’t have enough moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Southern Mac and Cheese Recipe

What makes Southern mac and cheese different from other versions?

Southern mac and cheese typically differs from other versions in a few key ways:

1. Creaminess: Southern-style mac and cheese tends to be creamier and richer compared to other variations. This is often achieved by using a combination of ingredients like butter, heavy cream (or whole milk), and eggs.
2. Cheese selection: Southern mac and cheese commonly features sharp cheddar cheese as the primary cheese, giving it a bold and tangy flavor. Other types of cheese, such as American cheese or Monterey Jack, may also be used.
3. Baked preparation: While mac and cheese can be prepared in various ways, Southern-style mac and cheese is often baked in the oven until the top becomes golden and crispy. This baking process adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish.

Can I make Southern mac and cheese ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes! I often prep my Southern mac and cheese recipe the day before when I need to cook a lot of various dishes the next day for a holiday like Thanksgiving.

• Prepare the mac and cheese according to the recipe, but do not bake it yet.
• Allow to cool, then store in the baking dish in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.
• When you’re ready to cook the mac and cheese, take it out of the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so the dish is not cold when placed in the oven. Preheat your oven and follow the directions for cooking.

What is the best pasta shape to use for Southern mac and cheese?

The best pasta shape to use for Southern mac and cheese is elbow macaroni. Elbow macaroni is a classic choice for mac and cheese recipes because its small size and curved shape hold onto the cheese sauce well, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Additionally, elbow macaroni cooks evenly and retains its shape, providing a pleasing texture to the dish.

While other pasta shapes can be used for mac and cheese, such as shells or cavatappi, elbow macaroni remains the most popular and traditional choice for a Southern-style mac and cheese recipe.

Yield: 10

How to Make Southern Mac and Cheese

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This mac and cheese recipe is baked with freshly shredded sharp cheddar, butter, and egg. It has a slight casserole texture and is comforting and delicious.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb macaroni (1/2 of a box), cooked al dente
• 4 tablespoons butter, chopped into chunks (I use salted)
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 8 oz block sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt, Pepper, and ground red pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente, drain. Place chunks of butter (about 8-10 pieces) along bottom of baking dish. Pour half of the warm cooked noodles over butter pieces. 

2. Whisk together egg, milk, mustard, salt and pepper.

3. Pour half of the milk+egg mixture over noodles. Top with 4oz of shredded cheese. Repeat with remaining noodles, liquid milk+egg mixture, and finally cheese. 

4. Bake for 30-45 minutes until cheese is melted and a little crispy.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 217Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 276mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 10g

Julia Fain Designer and Founder

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