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Description
A classic Southern-style baked macaroni and cheese recipe, known for its creamy texture and rich, cheesy flavor. This dish is a comforting staple perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Optional: 1/4 cup pimentos, drained
- Optional: 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Optional: 2 tablespoons melted butter for breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 3 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the salt, black pepper, and paprika. If using, stir in the drained pimentos.
- Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- If using breadcrumbs, toss them with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle them evenly over the cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For an extra creamy mac and cheese, use a blend of cheeses like Gruyere or Colby Jack along with the cheddar.
- Ensure your milk and cream are at room temperature for a smoother cheese sauce.
- Don’t overcook the macaroni; it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8th of the dish
- Calories: Approximately 550-650 kcal (varies based on ingredients)
- Sugar: Approximately 3-5g
- Sodium: Approximately 600-800mg
- Fat: Approximately 30-40g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 18-25g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 12-15g
- Trans Fat: Approximately 0-1g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-55g
- Fiber: Approximately 2-4g
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 100-130mg
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