Grandma’s Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese: Irresistible

Okay, y’all, let’s talk about mac and cheese. Not just any mac and cheese, but Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese – the kind that hugs you from the inside out. This isn’t your boxed stuff (bless its heart, it has its place!), but a real, honest-to-goodness casserole of cheesy, creamy, bubbly perfection. What makes this recipe special? Well, it’s how we get that extra creamy texture, and that golden crust that just begs to be devoured. Trust me, this is the recipe you’ve been searching for!

You know, growing up in Asheville, Sunday dinners at my grandma’s always meant one thing: her famous mac and cheese. It wasn’t fancy, but it was made with love – and a whole lotta cheddar. She’d always say, “Maxine, a good mac and cheese can fix just about anything.” And you know what? She was right. Her secret? She always used a blend of cheeses, and that’s what I do too! This Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is inspired by her, with a few twists of my own, of course! It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Seriously, y’all, get ready to fall in love! This isn’t just mac and cheese; it’s a hug in a dish. Here’s why you need this recipe in your life:

• Quick-ish: It bakes for a bit, but prep is a breeze!
• Easy Peasy: Even if you’re new to baking, you got this.
• Flavor Bomb: So much cheesy goodness, it’s unreal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Watch it disappear at potlucks!
• Holiday Hero: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, you name it.

The Ultimate Comfort Food

Let’s be real, is there anything more comforting than a big scoop of Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese? It just brings back those warm, fuzzy memories and makes everything feel a little bit better. That cheesy sauce? Pure joy!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a simple family dinner or a fancy holiday bash, this Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese fits right in! It’s fancy enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight meal. Plus, everyone loves it. Win-win!

Ingredients for the Best Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make the most amazing Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese you’ve ever tasted. Don’t skimp on the good stuff, y’all! It makes all the difference.

• 1 pound elbow macaroni (the classic choice!)
• 1/2 cup (that’s 1 stick!) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk (gotta have that creaminess!)
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (I like to buy a block and shred it myself, but pre-shredded works too!)
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (this adds a nutty, fancy touch!)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for that perfect crunch!)
• 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (for the breadcrumb topping, because why not?)

Equipment You’ll Need to Make Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Okay, before we get started, let’s make sure we’ve got all our tools ready! You won’t need anything too fancy, promise. Here’s what you’ll need for this Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese masterpiece:

• A 9×13 inch baking dish (because we’re making a big batch!)
• A large saucepan (for that dreamy cheese sauce!)
• A whisk (to keep things smooth, baby!)
• Measuring cups and spoons (so we don’t accidentally add a cup of salt…oops, been there!)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Perfection

Alright, darlin’, let’s get down to business! Follow these steps, and you’ll have the most amazing Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese bubbling away in no time. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it!

Preparing the Macaroni

First things first, preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, let’s tackle the macaroni. You’ll want to cook that elbow macaroni according to the package directions, but here’s a little secret: cook it just shy of al dente. I’m talking maybe a minute or two less than the box says. Why? Because it’s gonna keep cooking in that cheesy sauce, and nobody wants mushy mac! Drain it well and set it aside. Trust me on this one!

Making the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Now, for the star of the show: the cheese sauce! In that large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour until it’s smooth like silk. This is called a roux, and it’s what’s gonna thicken our sauce. Cook it for about a minute, stirring constantly, until it’s lightly golden. Careful not to burn it! Now, slowly whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Keep stirring, stirring, stirring – that’s the key to a smooth sauce! Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it’s thickened up nicely. Don’t walk away now! Stir constantly! You don’t want it sticking to the bottom.

Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in that glorious cheddar cheese and Gruyere cheese until they’re melted and smooth. Oh, that smell! Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Now, taste it! Does it need a little more salt? A pinch of pepper? This is your chance to make it perfect for you.

Assembling and Baking Your Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Alright, almost there! Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir it all together until everything’s coated in cheesy goodness. Pour that macaroni mixture into your prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle that buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni. This is what’s gonna give you that beautiful golden crust! Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it! You don’t want those breadcrumbs to burn. Once it’s done, let it stand for about 10 minutes before serving. I know, it’s hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it! This allows the sauce to thicken up a bit more. And there you have it – a perfect Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Okay, let’s talk swaps! If you don’t have Gruyere, no sweat! Use some Monterey Jack or even a bit of Parmesan. For the cheddar, sharp is my fave, but medium works too. Wanna go gluten-free? Use gluten-free macaroni and breadcrumbs. Easy peasy! And if you’re not a fan of panko, regular breadcrumbs are just fine. This Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is all about making it your own!

Tips for the Most Delicious Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Want to take your Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese to the next level? Here’s a few tricks I’ve learned over the years! First, use the good cheese, y’all. It makes a HUGE difference. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste – a little extra pepper or garlic powder can be amazing! And watch it closely in the oven – nobody likes burnt breadcrumbs! Finally, for that ultimate crispy top, try popping it under the broiler for the last minute or two. Just keep a close eye on it!

Getting the Perfect Cheese Pull

Oh, that cheese pull! That’s what we’re all after, right? For the ultimate cheesy goodness in your Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, be generous with the cheese! And make sure you let it stand for those 10 minutes after baking – that helps the cheese sauce set up just enough to give you that perfect, gooey, stretchy pull. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Variations on This Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Okay, you’ve got the basic recipe down, now let’s get creative! This Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is like a blank canvas! Want to add some crispy bacon? Go for it! Ham? Heck yeah! Roasted veggies like broccoli or cauliflower? Absolutely! A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick? Why not?! Try different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a flavor twist. The possibilities are endless, y’all! Make it your signature dish!

FAQs About Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things folks ask me about this Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe.

Can I make Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

You betcha! You can totally assemble this casserole a day ahead. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Easy peasy!

What is the best cheese to use in Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese?

Well, sharp cheddar is my go-to for that classic Southern flavor. But honestly, you can use whatever melts your butter! Gruyere adds a nutty, sophisticated touch, and Monterey Jack makes it extra creamy. Experiment and find your perfect blend! A little bit of Velveeta even is a good way to make it extra creamy and cheesy. The best creamy mac and cheese recipe for dinner is the one you love!

How do I prevent my Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese from drying out?

Nobody wants dry mac and cheese! The key is not to overbake it. Once it’s golden brown and bubbly, it’s done! Letting it stand for those 10 minutes after baking also helps the sauce thicken up and stay nice and creamy. And don’t skimp on the milk in that cheese sauce!

Can I freeze Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese?

Yep, you can! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. You might need to add a splash of milk to the sauce if it seems a little dry after thawing.

Serving Suggestions for Your Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Alright, you’ve got this amazing Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese ready to go… but what do you serve with it? Well, a nice crisp side salad is always a winner – something with a little vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted veggies like asparagus or green beans are fantastic too! And if you’re feeling extra hungry, some grilled chicken or steak would be mighty fine alongside this cheesy goodness!

Storing and Reheating Your Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store that Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave it in bursts, stirring in a splash of milk to keep it creamy. It’s almost as good as the first time…almost!

Nutritional Information

Okay, y’all, just a heads up: nutrition info can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use. This is just an estimate, so don’t come yellin’ at me if your numbers are a little different!

Make Your Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Today!

Alright, what are you waiting for?! Get in that kitchen and whip up this Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese! And when you do, come back and tell me what you think! Leave a comment, give it a rating, and snap a picture to share on social media! I can’t wait to see your cheesy masterpieces!

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