Prepare yourself for a mouthwatering journey into the heart of Southern cuisine with the most irresistible mac and cheese recipe that will transform your dinner table! This isn't just another pasta dish – it's a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that promises to be the star of every meal. Whether you're a comfort food enthusiast or simply craving a dish that feels like a warm hug, our Southern Style Mac n Cheese will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds)!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb macaroni
- 4 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Reserve about 1 cup of cheese for topping.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the milk and sour cream until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the warm butter mixture over the cheese in the mixing bowl. Stir gently until the cheese begins to melt and create a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring carefully to ensure every pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Season the mac and cheese with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cup of cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
- Serve hot as a comforting side dish or main course, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Cheese Selection: Use a mix of cheeses for maximum flavor. The combination of cheddar and mozzarella provides both sharpness and creaminess.
- Pasta Cooking Tip: Cook the macaroni just until al dente – it will continue cooking in the oven, so you want to avoid mushy pasta.
- Sauce Consistency: Whisk the butter, milk, and sour cream slowly to create a smooth base that will help your cheese melt evenly.
- Prevent Dryness: If the mac and cheese seems too thick, add a splash more milk to keep it creamy.
- Topping Trick: For an extra crispy top, broil the mac and cheese for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare this dish in advance and refrigerate. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 24g
Cholesterol: 120mg
