Creamy Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the rich and velvety goodness of this Southern-style macaroni and cheese, inspired by the classic dish from Cracker Barrel. Perfectly cooked macaroni is enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce made from a blend of sharp cheddar and Velveeta, resulting in a dish that's not only comforting but also irresistibly delicious. This recipe is scaled down to serve 4 as a delightful side or 2 as a satisfying main course, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions.
4
Servings
250
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Macaroni
4 (ounces)
Butter
1 (tablespoon)
Flour
1 (tablespoon)
Milk
1.5 (cups)
Cheddar Cheese
2 (ounces, cubed)
Velveeta Cheese
6 (ounces, cubed)
Pepper
1 (dash)
Salt
1 (dash)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
3
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, gradually whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and is smooth, approximately 5-7 minutes.
5
Add the cubed cheddar and Velveeta cheeses to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and the mixture is creamy.
6
Season with a dash of salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for your preference.
7
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until all the pasta is well coated.
8
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 1-quart casserole dish.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
10
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy Southern macaroni and cheese!
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
17.5
Carbs
10
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this macaroni and cheese Southern style?
This Southern-style version uses a creamy base made from a roux and a combination of sharp cheddar and Velveeta for a rich, velvety texture.
How many people does this recipe serve?
The recipe is designed to serve 4 people as a side dish or 2 people as a satisfying main course.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long should I bake the macaroni and cheese?
Bake the dish for 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Which cheeses are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 2 ounces of cubed sharp cheddar cheese and 6 ounces of cubed Velveeta cheese.
What kind of pasta should I use?
Standard macaroni pasta is used for this recipe; you will need 4 ounces.
How much milk is required?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of milk to create the creamy cheese sauce.
What is a roux and how is it made here?
A roux is a thickener made by melting 1 tablespoon of butter and whisking in 1 tablespoon of flour, cooked for 2 minutes.
How do I prevent lumps in my cheese sauce?
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly into the roux until the mixture is thick and smooth.
What size baking dish do I need?
A greased 1-quart casserole dish is the perfect size for this recipe.
Is this recipe inspired by any specific restaurant?
Yes, this creamy recipe is inspired by the classic macaroni and cheese served at Cracker Barrel.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 250 calories per serving based on 4 servings.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of fat.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 10 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 17.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should use a greased 1-quart casserole dish to prevent sticking.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you can add a dash of salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your personal preference.
How long does it take to thicken the sauce?
It typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes of constant whisking for the milk mixture to thicken.
Should I cook the macaroni before baking?
Yes, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions and drain it before mixing with the sauce.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish is rich and velvety with a bubbly, golden brown top.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of butter for the roux.
How much flour is used for the base?
You will need 1 tablespoon of flour to combine with the butter.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The nutritional information provided indicates there is no significant fiber content.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While this recipe uses cheddar and Velveeta for a specific texture, you can experiment with other melting cheeses if desired.
When should I add the cheese to the sauce?
Add the cubed cheddar and Velveeta after the milk and roux mixture has thickened and is smooth.
Does the recipe include sugar?
No, there is no sugar included in this savory macaroni and cheese recipe.
Should I let it cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the dish cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly dish as it contains no meat products.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as comfort food, cheesy pasta, Southern recipes, and side dish.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Absolutely, it is scaled to be a perfect side dish for a family dinner.