Cooking has a way of bringing back memories, doesn’t it? These southern mac and cheese recipes take me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen, and I’m so excited to share them with you today. Get ready to enjoy the rich, creamy goodness that makes mac and cheese a beloved favorite in the South!
Classic Southern Mac and Cheese
A timeless favorite that never disappoints!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Process:
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain.
- In a pot, melt butter and mix in milk, sour cream, cheese, salt, and pepper until melted and smooth.
- Stir in macaroni and pour into a greased baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Make it Unique:
For a kick, add diced jalapeños or swap out cheddar for gouda.
Bacon-Infused Mac and Cheese
This version is perfect for bacon lovers!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Process:
- Cook macaroni; set aside. In a pan, cook bacon until crispy; remove and reserve drippings.
- In the same pan, melt butter, add flour, and whisk until bubbly. Gradually add milk and cheese, stirring until thickened.
- Fold in bacon and cooked macaroni, then pour into a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Try adding caramelized onions or swapping bacon for sautéed mushrooms.
Spicy Shrimp Mac and Cheese
Add some coastal flair to your mac!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Process:
- Cook macaroni; set aside. In a skillet, sauté shrimp with Cajun seasoning until pink.
- Melt butter, whisk in milk and cheese until smooth.
- Combine shrimp and macaroni with cheese sauce; bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add diced tomatoes or replace shrimp with chicken for a different protein.
Mac and Cheese with Crab
Impress your guests with this seafood twist!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup lump crab meat
- 2 cups shredded fontina cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Process:
- Cook macaroni; set aside. In a pot, melt butter, then stir in cream and cheese until creamy.
- Fold in crab meat and macaroni. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Substitute crab for lobster or add fresh herbs like dill for extra flavor.
Mac and Cheese with Roasted Veggies
This recipe packs a nutritious punch!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups mixed roasted veggies (carrots, bell peppers, zucchini)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup flour
Process:
- Cook macaroni. Roast veggies until tender.
- In a saucepan, whisk flour into milk, then stir in cheese until melted.
- Combine veggies and macaroni with cheese sauce, transfer to a dish, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add a dash of balsamic glaze or include leftover meats like chicken or sausage!
Mac and Cheese with Spinach and Artichoke
A delightful creamy dip-inspired version!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup spinach (cooked)
- 1 cup artichoke hearts (chopped)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
Process:
- Cook macaroni; set aside. In a pot, melt cream cheese with milk and fold in cheese until creamy.
- Stir in spinach, artichokes, and macaroni; transfer to dish and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Try substituting cream cheese with ricotta and adding crushed garlic.
Mac and Cheese with Buffalo Chicken
If you love buffalo wings, this is for you!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream
Process:
- Cook macaroni. Mix chicken with buffalo sauce.
- In a pot, combine cheese and cream until melted. Add macaroni and chicken; stir.
- Transfer to baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add celery bits for crunch or try it with BBQ chicken instead of buffalo.
Mac and Cheese with Pesto
Bring some Italian flavors to the table!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cream
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted)
Process:
- Cook macaroni; set aside. In a saucepan, combine cream and cheese until melted and smooth.
- Mix in pesto and macaroni; transfer to a baking dish. Sprinkle pine nuts on top and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Swap basil pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto or mix in roasted garlic for extra flavor.
Mac and Cheese with Caramelized Onions
Sweet and savory for a comforting experience!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup caramelized onions
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
Process:
- Cook macaroni; set aside. In a pan, cook onions slowly until deeply caramelized.
- Melt butter, stir in milk and cheese until smooth. Fold in caramelized onions and macaroni, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add some balsamic vinegar while caramelizing the onions or top with crispy shallots.
Mac and Cheese with Greens
Get your greens in this delicious mac!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 1 cup spinach
- 2 cups shredded gouda cheese
- 1 cup milk
Process:
- Cook macaroni. Sauté kale until wilted, then add spinach.
- In a pot, whisk milk and cheese until smooth. Stir in veggies and macaroni, then bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Mix in some fresh herbs like thyme or add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Mac and Cheese with Mixed Cheeses
A celebration of cheese for true cheese lovers!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup shredded blue cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
Process:
- Cook macaroni; set aside. In a pot, melt butter and stir in milk and the variety of cheeses until melted.
- Combine with macaroni in a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Experiment with any leftover cheeses in your fridge or add a sprinkle of truffle oil before serving.
Mac and Cheese with Truffle Oil
For a touch of class, this recipe is a winner!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tbsp truffle oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Process:
- Cook macaroni; set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter, add cream and cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Combine macaroni with cheese sauce, drizzle with truffle oil, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add sautéed mushrooms or include a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for added texture.
Embrace the pleasure of making these southern mac and cheese recipes that will leave your guests raving. From classic comfort to exciting twists, there’s something in there for every taste! Why not gather your ingredients and start cooking up some cheesy goodness today? It’s time to create delicious memories around the dinner table!