There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy bowl of Southern macaroni and cheese to bring comfort and joy to any meal! This recipe is truly the best and is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive right into how you can make this delicious dish at home!
Check Out This Delicious Photo!
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, take a look at this mouthwatering image that captures the essence of Southern mac and cheese!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Gather the following ingredients to create the perfect Southern macaroni and cheese:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (preferably whole milk)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a little kick)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (for topping)
Instructions to Create the Magic:
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, follow these steps to whip up this irresistible dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 1 minute.
- Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your rich, creamy Southern macaroni and cheese as a side dish or a main event! It’s the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love and is sure to become a staple in your home. Happy cooking!
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source = tastymadesimple.com