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Crispy Southern Mac and Cheese

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A comforting Southern-style mac and cheese with a creamy cheese sauce and a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until light golden and nutty-smelling.
  3. Slowly pour in warmed whole milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly. Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 7-10 minutes.
  4. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  5. Remove sauce from heat and gradually stir in sharp cheddar and smoked gouda until melted and smooth.
  6. Pour cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat evenly.
  7. In a small pan, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan, toasting over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  8. Transfer cheesy pasta to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle toasted breadcrumb mixture on top.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until topping is crispy and golden brown.
  10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For an extra crispy crust, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning. Use warm milk to prevent lumps in the sauce. Avoid overcooking pasta to keep it al dente before baking. Toast breadcrumbs separately with butter and Parmesan for best topping texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, southern mac and cheese, crispy mac and cheese, creamy cheese sauce, comfort food, baked pasta, cheddar cheese, gouda cheese

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/crispy-southern-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-creamy-cheese-sauce-guide/