How to make Homemade Southern Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a soul food and Southern staple, and one of the ultimate comfort food dishes. Making macaroni and cheese from scratch will make a great side for a Southern-style or barbecue meal, and will have you renouncing instant macaroni and cheese. The dish is a caloric indulgence, but If you want to cut the calorie count consider reducing the amount of cheese, switching to low-fat versions of the cheese, butter and milk. For more fiber, opt for whole-wheat pasta instead of white. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- 2 cups macaroni
- Large bowl
- 4 tbsp. melted butter
- 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated jack cheese
- 1 can condensed cream of cheddar soup
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 stick butter
- 2 teaspoons flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Baking pan
- Cooking spray
Instructions
-
-
1
Cook the macaroni according to its package directions and preheat the oven 350 degrees.
-
2
In a large bowl mix the 1/2 stick of melted butter, one cup of the cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup jack cheese, soup, two eggs, 1/2 cup of sour cream, two teaspoons of flour, salt and pepper, until the mixture is well combined.
-
-
3
Spray the pan with the cooking spray. Add the drained macaroni, and pour the cheese sauce over the top of it, spreading it evenly throughout the dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the macaroni.
-
4
Bake the macaroni for 30 minutes, or until the top of the macaroni has browned.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The recipe can easily be adapted for whatever cheese you have on hand; replace the jack with Swiss, provolone, pepper jack, fontina or, for a sharp taste, blue cheese.
Try adding green chilies to give the dish a Southwestern flavor instead of a Southern one.
Add breadcrumbs to the top in addition to the extra cheese for a crunchy coating.
References
- Photo Credit ITStock Free/Polka Dot/Getty Images