Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroi
- 4 tbsp salted butter
melted
- 3 tbsp all purpose flour
- 3 1/2 cups half & half
- 2 tsp seasoning salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
shredded
- 1/2 cup Italian panko bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp salted butter
melted
Directions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Once the water is boiling, add in the 3 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni pasta, and cook until it's nice and firm, but not overly cooked.
- 2
While the pasta is cooking, toss 4 tbsp of salted butter into a large saucepan and melt over medium heat.
- 3
Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in 3 tbsp of all-purpose flour.
- 4
Whisk the flour with the butter until well-combined, making sure that there aren't any lumps.
- 5
Next, pour the half & half into the saucepan and whisk until smooth.
- 6
Let the flour, butter, and half & half mixture simmer until it starts to thicken, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
- 7
Add in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and mix until well incorporated.
- 8
Sprinkle the seasoning salt & black pepper in the cheese sauce and stir.
- 9
Place the cooked & drained elbow macaroni pasta into a large bowl, then add in the cheese sauce. For best results, mix the sauce into the noodles in batches.
- 10
Fold the macaroni and cheese sauce until everything is well incorporated.
- 11
Prepare a 9x13 casserole dish or baking dish with butter or baking spray.
- 12
Combine the remaining shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup) with the shredded mozzarella cheese in a separate bowl.
- 13
Add a layer of macaroni and cheese at the bottom of the baking dish, then top with a heavy layer of the shredded cheese mixture. Repeat
- 14
In a separate small bowl, mix two tablespoons of melted butter with the panko breadcrumbs. Stir until the butter is soaked into the breadcrumbs.
- 15
Top the creamy macaroni and cheese casserole with the buttery panko bread crumbs.
- 16
Bake in the oven, uncovered, on 350 F for about 25-30 minutes.
- 17
Serve & enjoy the best ever southern baked macaroni and cheese casserole!!
Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 47 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving the ultimate in homemade comfort food? This Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Casserole delivers pure, unadulterated cheesy goodness, straight from your oven. Forget the boxed versions and complicated recipes; this dish is 100% homemade and deeply satisfying.
What makes this recipe truly special is its dedication to a rich, perfectly seasoned homemade cheese sauce, crafted without any eggs, Velveeta, or unnecessary extra dairy. You'll love how the tender elbow macaroni is enveloped in this velvety sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with authentic Southern flavor.
Imagine scooping into a casserole where creamy, deeply flavorful macaroni and cheese meets a golden-brown, lightly crispy topping. This dish offers a sublime balance of textures—the soft, yielding pasta against the subtle crunch of seasoned Italian panko breadcrumbs. It's a comforting classic that will transport you straight to a Southern supper table with its incredible richness and savory depth.
While sharp cheddar and mozzarella create a classic flavor profile, feel free to explore variations. For instance, you could experiment with other favorite melting cheeses like Gruyere or Fontina to add a different layer of complexity to the blend. If Italian panko bread crumbs aren't available, plain panko or even crushed buttery crackers can provide a delightful crispy crust.
This Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Casserole is the perfect centerpiece for a family dinner, a potluck, or any occasion that calls for hearty, soul-warming food. Serve it alongside your favorite roasted meats or green vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.