Baked Southern Macaroni And Cheese Casserole Recipe

Nothing says comfort food quite like a bubbling dish of macaroni and cheese straight out of the oven. This Baked Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole Recipe is a soul-warming classic that will have your house smelling like home. This dish combines the creaminess of a cheesy sauce with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a vegetarian main course, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Baked Southern Macaroni And Cheese Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:
– 1 pound elbow macaroni
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 4 cups whole milk
– 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted and smooth.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated.
8. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
9. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and chopped parsley. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the macaroni and cheese.
10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
11. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.

This Baked Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole Recipe is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a potluck with loved ones. The creamy, cheesy goodness paired with the crispy breadcrumb topping is a winning combination that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Give this recipe a try and experience the heartwarming flavors of the South right in your own kitchen. Enjoy!