Southern Mac and Cheese

March 30, 2026 Prep: 15min Cook: 35min 8 servings Easy
Southern Mac and Cheese

This is not the boxed stuff — this is real, Southern-style baked mac and cheese. A blend of three cheeses creates the perfect combination of sharp flavor and creamy melt, finished with a golden breadcrumb crust.

Ingredients

  • 500g elbow macaroni
  • 60g butter
  • 45g all-purpose flour
  • 750ml whole milk
  • 200g sharp cheddar, shredded
  • 100g Gruyère, shredded
  • 100g Monterey Jack, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper
  • 60g panko breadcrumbs
  • 30g melted butter for topping
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives

Nutrition Facts

480
Calories
20g
Protein
42g
Carbs
26g
Fat

Instructions

  1. 1
    Cook macaroni in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain.
  2. 2
    Make cheese sauce: melt butter in a large saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until thick and smooth.
  3. 3
    Remove from heat. Stir in mustard powder, cayenne, nutmeg, and three-quarters of the mixed cheeses until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. 4
    Fold in the cooked macaroni until well coated. Pour into a buttered 9x13 inch baking dish.
  5. 5
    Top with remaining cheese. Mix panko with melted butter and scatter over the top.
  6. 6
    Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling. Sprinkle with chives and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
#mac and cheese #comfort food #southern #baked #cheesy

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