Description
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is the epitome of comfort food, offering a creamy, cheesy delight that warms both heart and soul. This dish features perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich cheese sauce, topped with a crunchy layer of panko breadcrumbs. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this simple recipe brings joy to any table with its delicious flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ? cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350?F (175?C) and grease a large baking dish.
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- In a pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour to create a roux for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth, letting it simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes). Stir in cheddar cheese and ground mustard until melted and creamy.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni until well coated.
- Pour into the prepared baking dish, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top, and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg