Description
This classic Southern Macaroni and Cheese recipe features creamy, cheesy sauce made from sharp cheddar and Colby Jack cheeses combined with tender elbow macaroni. A rich béchamel base is created with butter, flour, and whole milk, resulting in a comforting and flavorful dish perfect as a side or a main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni
- 4 cups elbow macaroni noodles, uncooked
Cheese Sauce
- 8 oz Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 8 oz Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Cook 4 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni noodles according to the package directions until tender. Drain the noodles using a colander and set them aside.
- Melt butter: In the same pot used for cooking the macaroni, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Create the roux: Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and stir continuously to combine. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add milk and salt: Gradually pour in 2 cups of whole milk and 1/2 teaspoon salt while stirring. Continue cooking the mixture on low to medium heat.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir regularly until the mixture begins to thicken and shows slight bubbling. Maintain constant stirring to prevent lumps.
- Incorporate cheese: Slowly add the shredded 8 oz Colby Jack and 8 oz sharp cheddar cheeses, stirring continuously until all cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine macaroni and cheese sauce: Add the cooked macaroni noodles into the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to ensure all noodles are evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve the macaroni and cheese hot as a delicious side dish or as a comforting main meal. Enjoy your classic Southern Mac & Cheese!
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture and flavor.
- Stir the sauce constantly to avoid burning and ensure smoothness.
- For a creamier dish, you can substitute half the whole milk with heavy cream.
- Feel free to add spices like paprika or a dash of cayenne for a slight kick.
- If you want a baked top, sprinkle extra cheese and broil for a few minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: Southern Macaroni and Cheese, Classic Mac and Cheese, Cheesy Macaroni Recipe, Comfort Food, Homemade Mac and Cheese
