Southern Baked Mac Cheese (Printable Version)

Creamy Southern baked mac and cheese with cheddar blend and crunchy golden crust, perfect for family meals.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 pound elbow macaroni

→ Cheese Sauce

02 - 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
03 - 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
04 - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
05 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 3 cups whole milk
08 - 1 cup heavy cream
09 - 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
10 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
14 - 1 teaspoon salt

→ Topping

15 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
16 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
17 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until just al dente, approximately 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
04 - Slowly whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until slightly thickened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
05 - Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly to combine.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella cheeses, reserving 1 cup sharp cheddar for topping. Stir until completely melted and smooth.
07 - Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Mix until pasta is evenly coated.
08 - Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with reserved sharp cheddar cheese.
09 - Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top for added crunch.
10 - Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
11 - Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The combination of sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella creates a cheese flavor that's complex without being pretentious—just deeply satisfying.
  • You'll have that crunchy golden top and creamy inside that makes people close their eyes when they take the first bite.
  • It comes together in under an hour and tastes like you've been cooking all day.
02 -
  • Don't rush the cheese melting step—low heat keeps the sauce smooth and creamy instead of breaking into separated, grainy texture that can't be fixed.
  • Cook your pasta slightly under al dente because it continues cooking in the oven; overcooked pasta turns mushy and defeats the whole purpose of this dish.
03 -
  • Shred your own cheese from blocks instead of using pre-shredded—the anti-caking agents in bagged cheese can prevent it from melting smoothly, and you'll notice the difference in texture.
  • Taste the sauce after seasoning but before adding pasta; this is your last chance to adjust salt, pepper, or spice levels without having to remix everything.
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