Southern Baked Mac And Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

Quick Benefits

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy goodness with a rich, baked texture. It is a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, holiday feasts, and potluck dinners. This dish is packed with flavor and offers a fulfilling meal that can be served as a main dish or a side. The best part? It’s easy to prepare and can be customized to your liking.

Essential Ingredients

To make this delicious Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, you will need:

1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 package Velveeta Original Loaf, cut into chunks
1-1/4 cup milk
2 large eggs
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup butter

Preparation Steps

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Cook the Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the Velveeta cheese with milk over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
Temper the Eggs: Whisk the eggs in a small bowl. Slowly add a spoonful of the warm cheese sauce to the eggs, whisking continuously. Mix the egg blend back into the cheese sauce.
Layer the Ingredients: Spread half of the cooked macaroni in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, add slices of butter, and top with half of the shredded cheeses. Pour half of the cheese sauce over it. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool slightly before serving.

Health Benefits

While this dish is indulgent, it provides essential nutrients, including calcium from cheese, protein from eggs and dairy, and energy-sustaining carbohydrates from pasta. You can make it healthier by using whole wheat pasta, reduced-fat cheese, or adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli.

Serving Suggestions

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese pairs wonderfully with:

Fried or roasted chicken
Collard greens
Cornbread
Barbecue ribs
A fresh green salad

For extra appeal, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.

Creative Variations

Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Meaty Version: Mix in cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken.
Veggie Boost: Add roasted peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for best results, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Pro Tips

Shred your own cheese for better meltability and avoid pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents.
Allow the mac and cheese to rest before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes! Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: How do I prevent my mac and cheese from drying out? A: Use enough cheese sauce and avoid overbaking. Covering with foil while baking can help retain moisture.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese? A: Absolutely! Gouda, mozzarella, or Colby Jack make great substitutes.

Enjoy this classic Southern dish and impress your family and friends with its rich, cheesy goodness!