Rich, velvety, and with a perfectly browned crust, this Southern Mac And Cheese is the ultimate comfort food.
The one dish besides mashed potatoes that my teens always request at Thanksgiving is mac and cheese. It is a big, heavy dish full of cheesy goodness. This mac and cheese bears little relation to the boxed variety, and while it takes more time and effort than that version, it is definitely worth it.
So, what makes this Southern? Mac and cheese is one of those dishes that can trace its roots back to colonial America. When Thomas Jefferson traveled to France, he took some members of his enslaved household workers with him. One of those was Chef James Hemings. It was in France that Hemings learned to make a “macaroni pie,” which soon became very popular back in Virginia. The custard-like, extra creamy, and rich mac and cheese is still a mainstay of Southern cuisine.
Whether or not you live in the South, you need this mac and cheese in your life! The warm, rich sauce and flavor are outstanding, and it is a welcome addition to both holiday meals and everyday meals. Even though there are several steps, it is a dish that can be assembled and baked ahead of time, which is definitely a plus. Southern mac and cheese is a classic for a reason.
What Is Smoked Cheddar Cheese?
Southern mac and cheese often includes a mixture of shredded cheese, and in this case, smoked cheddar is one of the three cheeses used. Out of the three, it is the least common, and you may not have much experience with it. Since traditional smoking would melt cheese, how do they smoke the cheddar? A technique called cold smoking is used. The embers are between 70 and 90 degrees, which softens but does not melt the cheese. The outer portion of the cheddar absorbs the smoke, and the result is a lovely mix of earthy, pungent cheddar and a distinctly warm, smoky flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until piping hot. The dish can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Can I Prep This Ahead?
You can assemble this dish through step 8. Let the pan cool and wrap it tightly in foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you are preheating your oven, set the casserole out on your counter so it’s not so chilled. Proceed with step 9, and bake as directed.
Serving Suggestions
As part of a big holiday meal, Southern mac and cheese is a delicious side. Pair it with other sides like Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Casserole, and Green Beans Almondine. However, Southern mac and cheese isn’t just for festive occasions. It’s a delicious meatless main for normal weekdays as well. Make House Salad for a side, brew some sweet tea, and get out your jar of hot sauce to sprinkle on top. It makes for a hearty, filling meal anytime.
Southern Mac And Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded smoked cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until smooth.
- Whisk in whole milk and cream. Cook, whisking, until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Lower the heat and stir in 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese and all the Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. If needed, add more milk to thin the sauce.
- Combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is thoroughly coated.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Evenly distribute the remaining 1 cup of sharp cheddar and smoked cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for approximately 10 minutes before serving.
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