Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Perfect Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese. This creamy, cheesy dish features a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer for a delectable finish. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this easy-to-make recipe promises to delight your taste buds and create cherished memories around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux; gradually add milk while stirring until thickened.
- Remove from heat; stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack until melted.
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce in a large bowl; mix well. Transfer to the baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For added flavor, mix in cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms before baking. Experiment with different cheese combinations such as gouda or pepper jack for a spicy twist.