Macaroni and Cheese Is Actually Something That Can Be So
When we think of macaroni and cheese we always think of Grandma Carol's ultimate comfort food, her cheesy Southern Macaroni and Cheese !
- Jump to Recipe
When we think of macaroni and cheese we always think of Grandma Carol's ultimate comfort food, her cheesy Southern Macaroni and Cheese !
When we think of macaroni and cheese we always think of Grandma Carol's ultimate comfort food, her cheesy Southern Macaroni and Cheese !
When we think of macaroni and cheese we always think of Grandma Carol's ultimate comfort food, her cheesy Southern Macaroni and Cheese !
When we think of macaroni and cheese we always think of Grandma Carol's ultimate comfort food, her cheesy Southern Macaroni and Cheese !
It's so nice when we get to go back to the Carolinas to visit family; we wish we could go more often. There's so much history there, and we love to see it all. As much as we love to visit all the places, we can't wait to get together with family for some good old family food favorites and great chats. When we get together with Grandma Carol and Grandpa Lou it is a sure bet that one of the dishes will be macaroni and cheese and that not one morsel will be left in the dish at the end of the meal.
We carry on this tradition as often as we can with our little family. The first time we made it with our little ones they did not recognize that it was the "real macaroni and cheese." They were used to one of their favorite boxed macaroni and cheese meals.
Don't get me wrong, boxed macaroni and cheese is a life saver at those meal times when time is just not on your side. However, when we have the time we love making our southern macaroni and cheese from scratch, where every bite is full of cheesy, buttery, heart stopping goodness!
Southern macaroni and cheese is soul food and it's much different from other mac and cheese recipes. Southern baked mac and cheese is not creamy like the macaroni and cheese Carrian grew up with. Carrian still prefers creamy macaroni and cheese with a panko bread crumb topping, but she can appreciate a baked southern macaroni and cheese.
What's in Southern Macaroni and Cheese?
Most baked macaroni and cheese recipes stick to butter, milk, and cheese, but this southern version takes things to the next level with the addition of sour cream. There's also a little salt in this recipe, plus a few eggs to bind everything together.
For the cheese, we used a shredded sharp cheddar, but you're welcome to play around with the type of cheese you use to suit your tastes. As for the pasta, we prefer classic elbow macaroni, but any short and sturdy pasta should work (just don't use thin pasta like spaghetti!).
How to Make Southern Macaroni and Cheese
This is such an easy macaroni and cheese recipe! To make this baked mac and cheese recipe with sour cream, follow these steps:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
- While still hot, place the cooked macaroni into a large bowl and stir in the butter and cheese.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sour cream, and salt. Stir into the macaroni mixture.
- Turn the southern macaroni and cheese into a greased baking dish and sprinkle with additional shredded cheese.
- Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Can I Double This Recipe?
Very easily, yes! You'll likely need to bake this homemade macaroni in cheese in two baking dishes, though.
Can I Freeze Macaroni and Cheese?
Unfortunately, you cannot. Dairy doesn't freeze very well, so you'll want to eat any leftovers within a week of making this sour cream macaroni and cheese.
Is There an Egg Substitute I Can Use?
No, you can't substitute the eggs in this recipe. That's just how Southern macaroni and cheese is made, sorry!
Tips for Making the Best Macaroni and Cheese
It's so important that you salt the pasta water. If you don't salt the pasta water, the macaroni itself will be bland and it's likely that your Southern macaroni and cheese won't be as flavorful as it should be.
You also must use whole or 2% milk in this easy macaroni and cheese recipe. That extra bit of fat in the milk adds moisture and flavor to the baked mac and cheese. Skim milk is a major no-no in this recipe!
Lastly, there's no sour cream substitute you can use in this recipe. If you want to make this recipe healthier by using a substitute like Greek yogurt…just don't. Trust us, the sour cream is a game changer.
More delicious SIDE DISHES you're sure to love:
- Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese
- Ham and Broccoli Mac and Cheese
- Healthy One-Pot Chili Mac
- Pork Macaroni and Cheese
- Roasted Red Pepper Mac and Cheese
- Classic Macaroni Salad
- Instant Pot Refried Beans
- Our Favorite Mashed Potatoes
- The BEST Baked Beans
- All our SIDE DISH recipes!
Southern Macaroni and Cheese
Southern Macaroni and Cheese
Servings: 6
When we think of macaroni and cheese we always think of Grandma Carol's ultimate comfort food, her cheesy Southern Macaroni and Cheese!
- 1 Pound Box Elbow Macaroni
- 3 1/2 Cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded (reserve 1 cup for topping)
- 1/4 Cup Butter softened
- 1 1/2 Cups Milk whole or 2%
- 3 Eggs beaten
- 1/2 Cup Sour Cream
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9x11" casserole dish.
-
Cook the macaroni per package instructions.
-
Place the pasta in a large bowl and while still hot and add 2 1/2 cups cheese and butter.
-
In a medium bowl, combine the remaining ingredients, whisking to combine, and add to the macaroni mixture.
-
Pour macaroni mixture into a casserole dish, top with remaining 1 cup of cheese and bake for 30 to 45 minutes.
-
Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Southern Macaroni and Cheese
Amount Per Serving (1 g)
Calories 714
% Daily Value*
Cholesterol 182.4mg 61%
Carbohydrates 61g 20%
Fiber 2.4g 10%
Sugar 5.9g 7%
Protein 30.9g 62%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Macaroni and Cheese Is Actually Something That Can Be So
Source: https://ohsweetbasil.com/southern-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe/