Southern Macaroni And Cheese Recipe
Today, let's dive into the heartwarming world of Southern Macaroni and Cheese. If you're looking for a comforting dish that's as delightful to make as it is to devour, you've come to the right place.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Baking dish
- Whisk
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups of elbow macaroni
- 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (go for sharp cheddar for that extra kick!)
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika (for that lovely color)
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (for a satisfying crunch)
Instructions
- Boil the macaroni in a large pot until it's cooked al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to create a smooth sauce. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, which usually takes around 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat and add in 2 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Season the cheesy sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix in the cooked macaroni until it's all coated in the luscious sauce.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese with breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture over the mac and cheese for that delightful golden crust.
- Pop the baking dish into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the top is wonderfully crispy.