When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like Southern, Soul Food Style Baked Mac and Cheese. Imagine digging into a warm, cheesy dish where each bite offers a creamy, rich flavor complemented by a delightful crispy top. A favorite at family gatherings, this dish is often the centerpiece of any meal, bringing smiles and nostalgia to those who savor it. I still remember the first time I had it at my grandmother’s house—she would bake it to perfection, and we couldn’t wait to dive in! It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly winter evening.
In the world of food blogging, this dish holds its ground just like my popular Southern Collard Greens recipe, offering an equally heartwarming touch to any meal. If you’re ready to elevate your dinner game and impress your loved ones, this Southern, Soul Food Style Baked Mac and Cheese is just the recipe to do it!
What is Southern, Soul Food Style Baked Mac and Cheese?
What exactly makes this dish so soul-satisfying? Is it the creamy, cheesy goodness? Or the fact that it can easily convert any gathering into a delicious feast? Honestly, it might just be that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” saying that holds true with this dish in particular! Legend has it that when families sit down to a meal featuring this mac and cheese, the laughter and conversations flow just as freely as the cheese sauce! So, if you’re ever in doubt about what to make for your next family gathering, this dish is a no-brainer!
Why You’ll Love This Southern, Soul Food Style Baked Mac and Cheese
Southern, Soul Food Style Baked Mac and Cheese shines as the main dish on your table with its golden crust and gooey interior. Not only does it serve as a delicious centerpiece for any meal, but it also comes with the added bonus of being cost-effective. Cooking at home not only saves you money but allows you to adjust flavors to suit your family’s preferences.
As you dish it out, the aroma wafts through the room, tempting everyone to get a scoop or two. Compared to some store-bought options, which may leave you with a sad, underwhelming taste, this recipe will have your loved ones singing your praises! Want to treat your family right? Dive into making this soul-soothing Southern, Soul Food Style Baked Mac and Cheese.
How to Make Southern, Soul Food Style Baked Mac and Cheese
Quick Overview
This Southern, Soul Food Style Baked Mac and Cheese is not just easy; it’s satisfying beyond words! With its creamy sauce hugging each pasta piece, complemented by a crispy topping, you’re in for a texture and flavor explosion. With just 15 minutes of preparation and about 30 minutes of baking time, you can serve this delectable dish to your family in no time.
Key Ingredients for Southern, Soul Food Style Baked Mac and Cheese
- Fusilli Pasta (or any pasta shape of your choice) – 2 cups
- Unsalted Butter – 4 tablespoons
- All-Purpose Flour – ¼ cup
- Whole Milk – 3 cups (or dairy-free alternative)
- Cheddar Cheese (shredded) – 2 cups
- Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded) – 1 cup
- Cream Cheese – 8 ounces
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Garlic Powder – ½ teaspoon
- Paprika – ½ teaspoon (for added flavor)
- Breadcrumbs – ½ cup (optional for crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C), giving it time to heat up while you prepare the dish.
- Cook the Pasta. In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes until it turns golden. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens—about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Cheeses. Stir in the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese until it’s all melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Mix it Together. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and mix until well-coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish (2-quart size works great). If you like a crispy topping, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy! Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Dive in and enjoy the delightfully cheesy goodness!
Top Tips for Perfecting Southern, Soul Food Style Baked Mac and Cheese
- Pasta Substitutes: While fusilli is great, you can experiment with elbow macaroni or even gluten-free pasta.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix different cheeses according to your palate. Gouda, Parmesan, or even pepper jack can bring new layers of flavor!
- Timing: Ensure your oven is preheated before placing the dish inside for even cooking.
- Avoiding Common Mistakes: To avoid a grainy sauce, make sure to stir the cheese in once the milk mixture has thickened properly.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (though it’s highly unlikely), this dish can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Adding a splash of milk before reheating can help revive that creamy texture, making it just as delightful as when it was fresh!
Now that you’re equipped with this Southern, Soul Food Style Baked Mac and Cheese recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking. You’re bound to win over hearts—and stomachs—with this delicious dish! Enjoy!
Southern, Soul Food Style Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups Fusilli Pasta (or any pasta shape of your choice)
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 3 cups Whole Milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika (for added flavor)
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (optional for crunch)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the dish.
- In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes until it turns golden.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens—about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese until it’s all melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Combining and Baking
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and mix until well-coated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish (2-quart size works great).
- If you like a crispy topping, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
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