Southern-Style Mac 'n' Cheese (2024)

Make this Southern holiday stapleone of the starring sides at your Thanksgiving table.

Frequently asked questions

What is Southern mac and cheese?

Southern-style mac and cheese is typically made with a milk-and-egg base rather than a roux. Here, the milk component is an infused milk-and-cream mixture reserved from cooking the noodles (which adds even more richness to the dish). The finished macaroni and cheese is firm enough to slice into solid squares.

What cheese makes the best mac and cheese?

Three types of cheese — extra-sharp cheddar, Colby-Jack, and cream cheese — go into this impossibly decadent recipe. Mild Colby-Jack contributes superb meltability; extra-sharp cheddar imparts a distinctly cheesy flavor; and cream cheese bestows a luscious, velvety tang. For the smoothest texture, purchase block cheese for this recipe, not the pre-shredded kind (which contains anti-caking agents).

Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

This Southern-style mac and cheese is simple to make but does require a bit of attention for a perfect result. Unlike most recipes, the macaroni here is cooked in the dairy instead of water. Resist the urge to boil the pasta until completely tender; you want it to just reach al dente. Since you'll need to use the reserved dairy to make the cheese sauce, overcooking the pasta means you likely won't have enough liquid left for the task. Also, be sure to set aside half a cup of the Colby-Jack to sprinkle on at the end for a beautifully browned top.

Southern-Style Mac 'n' Cheese (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between southern mac and cheese? ›

Southern-style mac and cheese is typically made with a milk-and-egg base rather than a roux. Here, the milk component is an infused milk-and-cream mixture reserved from cooking the noodles (which adds even more richness to the dish). The finished macaroni and cheese is firm enough to slice into solid squares.

Can you use evaporated milk instead of milk in mac and cheese? ›

To make an easy mac and cheese with evaporated milk, cook eight ounces of pasta a minute shy of al dente in well-salted water, then drain. Return the drained pasta to the pot, and add a 12-ounce can of evaporated milk and all your cheese (you'll want 12 ounces of cheese for this amount of pasta) and seasonings.

What kind of milk is best for mac and cheese? ›

Milk: Keeps our cheese sauce super creamy. I use whole milk or reduced-fat milk. Mustard and spices: A combination of Dijon mustard, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt makes this macaroni and cheese extra delicious. Cheese: I use white cheddar and parmesan or pecorino cheese.

How do you make mac and cheese not griddy? ›

The sauce can turn grainy if the cheese is added too quickly, the heat is too high, or if pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents is used. Melt cheese slowly over low heat and use freshly grated cheese. What to do if mac and cheese sauce is lumpy? If the sauce is lumpy, try whisking it vigorously.

What are the three best cheeses for mac and cheese? ›

What Is the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese? Sharp cheddar is the overwhelming popular choice, but for extra-creamy results, we think medium cheddar is even better. Other delicious options include Gruyère, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack.

What is in Gordon Ramsay mac and cheese? ›

Ingredients
  1. 1 lb small elbow pasta.
  2. 4 cups whole milk.
  3. 8 tablespoons unsalted butter.
  4. 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. 2 teaspoons kosher salt.
  6. ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
  7. 2 cups bacon bits.
  8. ½ cup bread crumbs, toasted.
May 4, 2023

What happens if you use heavy cream instead of milk in mac and cheese? ›

Heavy cream is, in my opinion, the best milk substitute for kraft mac and cheese. It's thicker and more luxurious than milk, so I actually think this makes a better end result! just add the heavy whipping cream in the same way you would add the milk.

How much evaporated milk equals 1 cup of milk? ›

For the same consistency as drinking milk, mix ½ cup Evaporated Milk and ½ cup water to make 1 cup of regular drinking milk. How can I use Evaporated Milk for extra richness and creaminess in my recipes?

Is it okay to use water instead of milk in mac and cheese? ›

Water actually works perfectly well as a milk substitute in mac and cheese. It adds all the liquid you need, though it doesn't have the creaminess or flavor that other substitutes add. However, if you add a little pasta water, instead of plain tap water, to your cheese sauce, you might get better results.

Can I use chicken broth instead of milk in mac and cheese? ›

Milk and chicken broth: Added to the roux to make the sauce for creamy mac and cheese. Chicken broth isn't commonly used to make mac and cheese, but we find it works great in place of half the milk and adds more flavor.

Can I use mayonnaise instead of milk in mac and cheese? ›

While some folks use mayonnaise as a substitute for the milk and butter boxed mac and cheese calls for, the condiment also works as a supplement in addition to the traditional recipe. When mixed into macaroni and cheese, mayonnaise creates a rich and velvety texture that complements its rich flavor.

Can I use butter instead of milk for mac and cheese? ›

One way to make boxed mac and cheese much richer is to ditch the milk and add extra butter. The box instructions will most likely call for both milk and butter, but, as it turns out, the milk is unnecessary — as long as you add enough butter, of course.

What not to do when making mac and cheese? ›

The 5 Biggest Mac & Cheese Mistakes
  1. Using Only Cheddar cheese.
  2. Not Adding Spice and Seasoning with Salt.
  3. Choosing the Wrong Pasta. There's a reason why elbow macaroni is the classic shape for macaroni and cheese. ...
  4. Overcooking. No one wants grainy cheese sauce and mushy pasta. ...
  5. Skimping on the Toppings.
May 21, 2020

What cheese to avoid for mac and cheese? ›

Dry, crumbly cheeses like feta or cotija are not ideal. With their high moisture levels, they don't melt properly and will leave you with clumps of cheese instead of a smooth sauce.

Can you put too much cheese in mac and cheese? ›

Can you put too much cheese in mac and cheese? Yes, adding more cheese than a recipe calls for will not improve the dish. Too much cheese will result in a dish that is heavy and greasy.

What's the difference between macaroni and cheese and mac and cheese? ›

Macaroni and cheese (also known as mac and cheese in Canada and the United States and macaroni cheese in the United Kingdom) is a dish of macaroni and a cheese sauce, most commonly cheddar sauce. Its origins trace back to cheese and pasta casseroles dating to the 14th century in Italy and medieval England.

What type of cheese is Southern? ›

The best known "types" of traditional Southern cheese are pimento cheese (which is a dip, not a cheese itself), and hoop cheese, which is now a relative rarity, but was ubiquitous before the 1960s in local stores.

Where did Southern mac and cheese come from? ›

James Hemmings, considered the first African-American chef brought the recipe for macaroni and cheese pie back to Virginia with him after his time in Paris and served it at state dinners.

What is the strange mac and cheese strain? ›

Mac and Cheese, also known as “Mac N Cheese,” is a hybrid weed strain made by crossing The Mac with Alien Cheese. Mac and Cheese is more energizing than relaxing. Consumers who have smoked this strain report feeling focused, uplifted, and euphoric.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Tyson Zemlak

Last Updated:

Views: 5741

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tyson Zemlak

Birthday: 1992-03-17

Address: Apt. 662 96191 Quigley Dam, Kubview, MA 42013

Phone: +441678032891

Job: Community-Services Orchestrator

Hobby: Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Metalworking, Fashion, Vehicle restoration, Shopping, Photography

Introduction: My name is Tyson Zemlak, I am a excited, light, sparkling, super, open, fair, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.