Southern-Style Baked Macaroni & Cheese Recipe
Pasta? Cheesy?… What More Could You Want?
Nothing beats a warm, gooey Southern-style baked macaroni and cheese. This traditional comfort dish is ideal for chilly nights when you simply want to curl up and eat something nice. And you can make it at home with this simple recipe!
To begin, you'll need 2 cups cooked macaroni noodles that are slightly less than al dente. Cook them and drain them into a colander, keeping them aside for the time being. As you make the cheese sauce, preheat the oven to 375°F.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet. Add 2 tablespoons flour, salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard once the butter has melted. Mix everything together and cook the flour for 2-4 minutes.
After that, grate the cheese and leave it aside. When the flour mixture is done, whisk in 2-3 cups of heavy cream until smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese. Mix the ingredients until the cheese has melted and it is silky and smooth.
Mix It Up Y’all!
It's time to add the pasta and cheese mixture to your casserole dish. Combine everything until the pasta is uniformly covered. Finish with the remaining grated cheese.
Bake your casserole dish for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. That's it - your Southern-style baked macaroni and cheese is finished!
This recipe is ideal for a family meal, a potluck, or any other occasion where you want to wow your guests with a traditional and tasty dish. The creamy, cheesy sauce paired with well cooked pasta is guaranteed to satisfy.
So, what are you holding out for? Try this dish and enjoy some good old-fashioned Southern comfort food. Your taste senses will be grateful!
The History Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a popular comfort dish that has been enjoyed for generations in various ways. The cuisine is thought to have originated in Italy, where it was known as "maccheroni al formaggio," a basic dish prepared of macaroni noodles and grated Parmesan cheese.
The first known recipe for macaroni and cheese was published in the 14th century in the Liber de Coquina, a cookbook from the court of King Richard II of England. This meal was similar to the Italian version, except it included butter and cream.
Throughout the 18th century, macaroni and cheese became popular in the United States. The dish was popularized in America by Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States. Jefferson had tried macaroni and cheese in Europe and returned with a pasta machine to make it himself.
Since it was a cheap and substantial dinner, macaroni and cheese became a staple cuisine in America during the Great Depression. During World War II, the United States government included macaroni and cheese in military rations, solidifying its status as an American staple.
A True Southern Staple
Southern-style baked macaroni and cheese is a popular variant of the classic meal in the southern United States. It is cooked in the oven for a crispy, golden-brown crust and often contains a creamy cheese sauce prepared with heavy cream and Dijon mustard.
Macaroni and cheese is still a popular comfort dish in the United States and across the world. It has been altered and recreated in a variety of ways, including vegan and gluten-free variants as well as gourmet variations on the basic meal. Yet, macaroni and cheese remains a sign of comfort and nostalgia for many people, regardless of how it is made.
What To Serve With This Dish?
Southern-style baked macaroni and cheese is a satisfying and tasty dish that may be served alone or as a side dish. If you're searching for some side dishes to go with this classic comfort cuisine, here are a few suggestions:
Fried chicken: Southern-style fried chicken goes well with macaroni & cheese. Crispy skin and succulent chicken complement the creamy and cheesy pasta.
Greens: Collard greens are a traditional southern side dish that may add some greens to your dinner. The slightly bitter greens complement the richness of the macaroni and cheese.
BBQ ribs: BBQ ribs are a traditional southern dish that can be served with macaroni and cheese. The ribs' smokey taste complements the creamy and cheesy pasta.
Cornbread: Cornbread is a traditional southern side dish that goes well with macaroni and cheese. The cornbread's sweet and buttery taste complements the savory and cheesy spaghetti.
Baked Beans: Baked beans are a traditional barbecue side dish that goes well with macaroni and cheese. The beans' sweet and savory taste complements the creamy and cheesy pasta.
Vegetables: Roasted veggies, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts, may offer a healthy dose of greens to your dinner. The roasted taste of the veggies complements the cheesy pasta wonderfully.
Pulled Pork: Pulled pork is a traditional southern meal that goes well with macaroni and cheese. The succulent and juicy pork complements the creamy and cheesy pasta well.
Green beans: Southern-style green beans are a traditional side dish that goes well with mac & cheese. The green beans' somewhat sweet and salty taste complements the cheesy pasta.
Coleslaw: Coleslaw is a crisp and refreshing side dish that may add texture to your meal. The coleslaw's slightly acidic taste complements the creamy and cheesy pasta.
Garlic bread: Garlic bread is a traditional side dish that goes well with macaroni and cheese. The bread's buttery and garlicky taste complements the cheesy spaghetti.
What To Do With Any Leftovers:
If you have any leftover Southern-style baked macaroni and cheese, make sure you store it correctly to keep it fresh and safe to consume.
Here's how to save and reheat leftovers:
Transfer the macaroni and cheese to an airtight container after it has cooled to room temperature: Once the dish has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure the container can accommodate all of the macaroni and cheese without becoming overcrowded.
Refrigerate immediately: After cooking, place the container in the refrigerator as soon as possible. The macaroni and cheese may be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
Preheat the oven to 350°F before reheating the macaroni and cheese. Cover the macaroni and cheese with foil and place it in an oven-safe dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until well heated.
Reheat on the stovetop: You can also reheat the macaroni and cheese on the stovetop. Heat the macaroni and cheese in a saucepan over low heat, stirring periodically, until well warm.
If the macaroni and cheese appears to be dry or has thickened in the refrigerator, add a splash of milk to soften it up before reheating.
It's crucial to remember that leaving cooked macaroni and cheese out at room temperature for more than two hours might allow hazardous germs to develop. If you have any questions regarding the safety of your leftovers, it's better to toss them out.
The Delicious Cheesy End
Finally, Southern-style baked macaroni and cheese is a treasured classic that has been a mainstay in Southern American homes for years. This dish is a wonderful and rich rendition that will definitely fulfill your comfort food desires. It's no surprise that this dish is a crowd-pleaser, with its creamy and cheesy texture and golden-brown crust.
This dish is ideal for organizing a dinner party, feeding your family, or simply needing something substantial and fulfilling. It's easy to make yet packs a taste punch that will leave you wanting more. It's also a low-fuss dish that can be whipped together in no time, thanks to its easy-to-find ingredients and minimum prep time.
So, what are you holding out for? Don't spend any more time! Start making this wonderful Southern-style baked macaroni and cheese in your kitchen tonight. Your taste senses will be grateful! And, if you have any leftovers, make sure to carefully preserve them so you may enjoy this delightful feast for days to come.