Southern Soul Oven Baked Mac (Printable)

Creamy Southern-style baked macaroni with sharp cheddar and a crunchy golden crust, ideal for comforting meals.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 pound elbow macaroni

→ Cheese Sauce

02 - 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
03 - 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
04 - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
05 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 3 cups whole milk
08 - 1 cup heavy cream
09 - 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
10 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
14 - 1 teaspoon salt

→ Topping

15 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
16 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
17 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

# How-To:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook macaroni until just al dente, approximately 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
03 - In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light golden in color.
04 - Slowly whisk in milk and cream while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
05 - Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to the sauce. Stir thoroughly to incorporate all seasonings.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Add sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella cheeses to the sauce, reserving 1 cup sharp cheddar for topping. Stir continuously until all cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth.
07 - Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and fold gently until every piece is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
08 - Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the reserved 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese.
09 - Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the cheese layer for added textural contrast.
10 - Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges of the dish.
11 - Remove from oven and allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the dish set slightly.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Classic Southern flavors in a creamy, cheesy baked macaroni dish.
  • The crunchy golden topping adds delightful texture contrast.
  • Perfect for family dinners or comforting side dishes.
  • Vegetarian-friendly yet rich and satisfying.
02 -
  • Reserve some cheddar cheese for the topping to create a cheesy crust.
  • Be sure to whisk the roux well to avoid lumps in your sauce.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
  • Adding a pinch of smoked paprika enhances the depth and smoky aroma.
  • Optionally mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter for a crunchy topping.
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