Description
This Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a rich, comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Enjoy a family favorite with a golden, cheesy crust and a smooth, decadent interior.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked macaroni to cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Pour macaroni mixture into prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over macaroni.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
- Gruyere cheese adds a nutty, complex flavor. Substitute with another cheese if needed.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste.
- For a crispier topping, broil for the last few minutes of baking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg