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At the heart of every great mac and cheese is its pasta base, and for Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, elbow macaroni is the traditional choice. This small, tube-shaped pasta is perfect for capturing the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring every bite is filled with flavor. When selecting your elbow macaroni, look for high-quality brands that offer a good bite when cooked, as this will enhance the overall texture of the dish.

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese – Super Creamy!

Discover the irresistible comfort of Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, a cherished dish that brings warmth to gatherings and family celebrations. This article dives into the essential ingredients and cooking techniques, offering insights into the rich history of this classic dish. Learn how to achieve creamy texture and a crunchy topping for a truly delightful experience. With tips for variations and perfect pairings, you'll elevate your culinary skills and impress loved ones with this indulgent favorite.
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Ingredients
  

For the Pasta:

1 pound elbow macaroni

Salt (for pasta water)

For the Cheese Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

4 cups whole milk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon mustard powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated

1 cup cream cheese, softened

For the Topping:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon paprika (optional for color)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Make the Cheese Sauce:

        - In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes until lightly golden.

          - Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

            - Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

              - Remove the saucepan from heat and add the grated sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese. Stir until all cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.

                Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained macaroni and cheese sauce. Mix until all pasta is well coated in the sauce.

                  Prepare the Topping:

                    - In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, paprika, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

                      Assemble the Dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 3-quart baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the mac and cheese.

                        Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

                          Cool and Serve: Let the baked mac and cheese cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your super creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese!

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                              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8