Southern, Soul Food Style Baked Mac and Cheese
A classic comfort food, this Southern, Soul Food Style Baked Mac and Cheese features a creamy, cheesy filling with a delightful crispy top, perfect for family gatherings.
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.
Notes
If you have any leftovers, this dish can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months. Add a splash of milk before reheating to revive the creamy texture.