Creamy Southern Mac and Cheese

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of Creamy Southern Mac and Cheese. Growing up, this was a staple in my household, often made for family gatherings and cozy nights in. The rich, creamy sauce enveloping the perfectly cooked pasta was always irresistible. I remember my mom would whip it up after a long day, and the smell would fill the kitchen, drawing us all in like moths to a flame. As we gathered around the table, bowls in hand, it felt like a warm hug on a chilly winter evening.

Every bite of Creamy Southern Mac and Cheese is a reminder of those cherished moments. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the memories created around it. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a casual weeknight dinner, this dish always brings everyone together. The blend of cheeses creates a depth of flavor that keeps you coming back for more, while the creamy texture makes it feel like a special treat.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. It doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—just good-quality cheese and a bit of love. Trust me, your family will thank you for making this delicious dish! So, let’s dive into the world of Creamy Southern Mac and Cheese and discover why it’s such a beloved classic.

Ingredient List for Creamy Southern Mac and Cheese

When it comes to crafting the perfect Creamy Southern Mac and Cheese, the quality of your ingredients plays a crucial role. Each ingredient contributes to the rich, comforting flavor profile that makes this dish so beloved. From the creamy texture provided by cream cheese to the sharp tang of cheddar, it’s all about balance and harmony.

• 1 stick of butter – Adds richness and flavor, forming the base of the sauce.
• 8 oz cream cheese – Provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor that enriches the sauce.
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese – Offers a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the other cheeses.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Ensures a rich and luscious sauce; can substitute with evaporated milk if needed.
• 16 oz American cheese food – Melts beautifully, creating that classic mac and cheese texture.
• 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese – Introduces a bold flavor that elevates the overall taste.
• 1 lb macaroni noodles – The foundation of the dish; large noodles hold the sauce well.

Recipe Steps for Creamy Southern Mac and Cheese

Making Creamy Southern Mac and Cheese is a straightforward process, and I love how quickly it comes together. Gather your ingredients and let’s get started!

1. First, fill a large stock pot with water and bring it to a boil. Follow the instructions on the box for cooking the macaroni noodles. Remember, a light hand with the salt is best; about ½ teaspoon should suffice. You want the pasta to be flavorful but not overly salty.
2. While the pasta cooks, take a medium sauce pot and place it over medium-low heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Once melted, mix in the cream cheese, parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and American cheese.
3. Stir the mixture frequently using a wooden spoon to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Watch as the cheeses begin to melt and combine into a thick, creamy sauce. You want to achieve a smooth consistency, so take your time here.
4. Once the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is thick, turn off the heat, but keep it on the stove. This will allow the flavors to meld together while you finish cooking the pasta.
5. Check your pasta; it should be al dente at this point. Drain the macaroni well and return it to the stock pot. Make sure to shake off any excess water.
6. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni. Using a spatula, gently stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Be careful not to break the noodles; we want them intact and well-covered.
7. Once everything is well mixed, allow the Creamy Southern Mac and Cheese to sit for a few minutes. This helps the sauce adhere to the noodles even better.
8. Serve it hot, directly from the stock pot for a rustic feel, or transfer to a casserole dish for a more polished presentation. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Creamy Southern Mac and Cheese, consider these helpful tips:

• Storage: Leftover mac and cheese should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated within 2 hours to ensure freshness.
• Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
• Presentation: Serve in the cooking pot for a casual vibe, or transfer to a beautiful casserole dish for gatherings.
• Cheese Tips: For the best flavor, shred your own cheese rather than using pre-packaged versions.
• Variations: Feel free to mix in vegetables like steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrition.

What to Serve With Creamy Southern Mac and Cheese

The delicious Creamy Southern Mac and Cheese pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Here are some great serving suggestions:

• Grilled Chicken: A simple grilled chicken breast complements the richness of the mac and cheese beautifully, creating a balanced plate.
• Garden Salad: A light, fresh garden salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy goodness of the mac and cheese.
• Steamed Vegetables: Brightly colored steamed veggies like carrots or green beans add a healthy touch to your meal.
• Barbecue Ribs: For a heartier option, pair this dish with succulent barbecue ribs for a true Southern feast.
• Seasonal Variations: In the winter, serve alongside roasted root vegetables, while summer might call for a corn salad.
• Occasions: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this dish is sure to please any crowd.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Creamy Southern Mac and Cheese is truly a dish that brings comfort and joy to the table. Its luscious texture, rich flavors, and ease of preparation make it a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a classic comfort food. I encourage you to give this recipe a shot; it might just become a new favorite in your household. Gather your loved ones around and make some unforgettable memories over a warm bowl of mac and cheese!

Creamy Southern Mac and Cheese

The ultimate comfort food, Creamy Southern Mac and Cheese is a rich and cheesy delight that will satisfy your cravings. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this easy weeknight dinner is sure to impress!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dinner, Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 stick butter
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup parmesan cheese the real stuff is best - the green plastic can is ok.
• 1 cup heavy cream or 1 can of evaporated milk plus extra if needed - could be as much as 2 cups, depending on other factors.
• 16 oz American Cheese Food ½ large block of velveeta.
• 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese something like Cabots - grated.
• 1 lb macaroni noodles the large noodles seem to work best.

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Large Pot
• Mixing Bowl
• Grater
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Put a large stock pot of water on to boil, following the box instructions for cooking the pasta, but salt the water lightly.
2. In a medium sauce pot over medium low heat, add the butter, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and American cheese. Stir frequently until melted and thick.
3. When pasta is cooked, drain well and return to the stock pot. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and gently mix.

Notes

• Tip 1: This is not an oven-baked mac and cheese dish; instead, it's a creamy mac and cheese that is super popular recipe with children!
• Tip 2: If it is going to be a little bit between preparing this dish and serving this dish, add extra milk/cream to loosen the sauce, as it thickens when cooled.
• Tip 3: For the best flavor, shred parmesan cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese.
• Tip 4: Serve this in the stockpot or a casserole dish for better presentation.
• Tip 5: Leftover macaroni and cheese should be placed in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated within 2 hours.

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Meet Jade Summer

Reliability is just as important as flavor. I am the one double checking measurements and testing temperatures. I cooked this recipe repeatedly, troubleshooting any tricky parts, so you can trust that it will turn out perfectly the very first time you try it.