Creamy, Dreamy Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide

Macaroni and cheese – the ultimate comfort food. It’s a dish that evokes memories of childhood, of family gatherings, and of warm, fuzzy feelings. And when it comes to macaroni and cheese, there’s no style more iconic than Southern style. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to the heart of the South, where macaroni and cheese is a staple of the cuisine. We’ll show you how to cook Southern style macaroni and cheese that’s creamy, dreamy, and sure to become a family favorite.

The History of Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the history of Southern style macaroni and cheese. This dish has its roots in European cuisine, where macaroni and cheese was a popular dish among the aristocracy. However, it wasn’t until the dish made its way to the Southern United States that it became the creamy, cheesy masterpiece we know and love today.

In the South, macaroni and cheese was often served as a side dish, particularly at family gatherings and holidays. It was a dish that was easy to make in large quantities, and it was a great way to feed a crowd. Over time, Southern cooks developed their own unique twist on the dish, adding ingredients like butter, cream, and a blend of cheeses to create a rich, creamy sauce.

The Key to a Great Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese

So, what’s the key to a great Southern style macaroni and cheese? There are a few things to keep in mind when making this dish.

Using the Right Type of Pasta

First, you’ll want to use the right type of pasta. For Southern style macaroni and cheese, you’ll want to use a short, curved pasta shape like macaroni or cavatappi. This type of pasta holds onto the cheese sauce perfectly, and it’s easy to cook al dente.

Choosing the Right Cheeses

Next, you’ll want to choose the right cheeses. For a classic Southern style macaroni and cheese, you’ll want to use a blend of cheddar, Parmesan, and Colby cheese. The cheddar provides a rich, tangy flavor, while the Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. The Colby cheese adds a mild, creamy flavor that helps to balance out the dish.

Using a Roux-Based Sauce

Finally, you’ll want to use a roux-based sauce. A roux is a mixture of flour and fat that’s used to thicken sauces. In the case of Southern style macaroni and cheese, the roux is used to thicken the cheese sauce and give it a rich, creamy texture.

The Recipe

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to the recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

Now that we have our ingredients, let’s move on to the instructions.

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

First, you’ll want to cook the macaroni. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Next, you’ll want to make the roux. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk together to make a smooth paste. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden.

Step 3: Add the Milk and Cheese

Now it’s time to add the milk and cheese. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it’s thickened. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cheddar, Parmesan, and Colby cheese until it’s melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

Finally, it’s time to combine the macaroni and cheese sauce. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Stir until the macaroni is well coated, then transfer the mixture to a baking dish.

Step 5: Top with Additional Cheese and Bake

To finish the dish, you’ll want to top it with additional cheese and bake it in the oven. Sprinkle the top of the macaroni and cheese with additional grated cheese, then bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and bubbly.

Tips and Variations

Now that we’ve covered the basic recipe, let’s talk about some tips and variations you can use to make your Southern style macaroni and cheese even better.

Adding Some Spice

One way to add some excitement to your macaroni and cheese is to add some spice. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give the dish a spicy kick.

Using Different Types of Cheese

Another way to mix things up is to use different types of cheese. You can try using Gruyère or Gouda instead of cheddar, or adding some crumbled blue cheese for a pungent flavor.

Adding Some Crunch

Finally, you can add some crunch to your macaroni and cheese by topping it with some crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. This adds a nice textural element to the dish and helps to balance out the creaminess of the cheese sauce.

Conclusion

And there you have it – a classic Southern style macaroni and cheese recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its creamy cheese sauce, al dente pasta, and crunchy topping, this dish is the perfect comfort food for a cold winter’s night. So go ahead, give it a try, and see why Southern style macaroni and cheese is a beloved classic.

What is Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese?

Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese is a classic comfort food dish that originated in the Southern United States. It is a creamy, cheesy pasta bake made with macaroni, a blend of cheeses, and often additional ingredients such as breadcrumbs or crispy bacon. This style of macaroni and cheese is known for its rich, velvety texture and its deep, satisfying flavor.

The key to a great Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese is using a combination of cheeses, including cheddar, Parmesan, and often a third cheese such as Gruyère or Gouda. The cheese sauce is typically made with a roux-based sauce, which gives it a smooth and creamy texture. The dish is often baked in the oven until golden brown and bubbly, which adds a crispy texture to the top.

What type of pasta is best for Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese?

The best type of pasta for Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese is macaroni, which is a type of curved, cylindrical pasta. Macaroni is the traditional choice for this dish because its shape holds onto the cheese sauce well, and its texture provides a nice contrast to the creamy sauce. Other types of pasta, such as shells or elbow macaroni, can also be used, but macaroni is the most classic choice.

It’s worth noting that the type of macaroni you use can affect the final texture of the dish. Some macaroni is more prone to overcooking than others, so it’s a good idea to choose a high-quality macaroni that will hold its shape well. Additionally, be sure to cook the macaroni until it is al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite to it.

How do I make a roux-based cheese sauce?

To make a roux-based cheese sauce, you will need to start by making a roux, which is a mixture of flour and fat (such as butter or oil). The roux is used to thicken the cheese sauce and give it a smooth texture. To make the roux, simply melt the butter or heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the flour and whisk until it forms a smooth paste.

Once the roux is made, you can slowly add milk or cream to the saucepan, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, then remove it from the heat and add the cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Can I add other ingredients to my Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese?

Yes, there are many other ingredients you can add to your Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese to give it extra flavor and texture. Some popular additions include crispy bacon, diced ham, or cooked vegetables such as broccoli or carrots. You can also add different types of cheese, such as blue cheese or goat cheese, to give the dish a unique flavor.

When adding other ingredients, be sure to adjust the amount of cheese sauce accordingly. You don’t want the dish to be too dry or too wet, so it’s a good idea to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning and sauce levels to your liking. Additionally, be sure to distribute the added ingredients evenly throughout the dish so that each bite has a good balance of flavors.

How do I get a crispy top on my Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese?

To get a crispy top on your Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese, you will need to top the dish with a crunchy topping, such as breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. You can also add a sprinkle of grated cheese or a drizzle of butter to help the topping brown.

To get the topping to brown and crisp, you will need to bake the dish in the oven until it is golden brown. This can take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the temperature of your oven and the thickness of the topping. Be sure to keep an eye on the dish as it bakes, as the topping can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly.

Can I make Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the dish just before baking. You can cook the macaroni and make the cheese sauce ahead of time, then refrigerate or freeze them until you are ready to assemble the dish.

When assembling the dish, be sure to let the macaroni and cheese sauce come to room temperature before combining them. This will help the dish to bake evenly and prevent the cheese sauce from separating. Additionally, be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly if you are baking the dish from a cold state.

How do I serve Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese?

Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese is a comforting, satisfying dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish. It’s a great option for family dinners, potlucks, or other casual gatherings. To serve, simply scoop the macaroni and cheese into individual servings and top with additional cheese, breadcrumbs, or other toppings as desired.

You can also serve Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese with a variety of sides, such as a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. The dish is also a great option for leftovers, as it can be refrigerated or frozen and reheated as needed. Simply bake the dish in the oven until it is hot and bubbly, then serve.