Description
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this classic Southern Baked Mac and Cheese. Featuring a rich, velvety homemade cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and nutty Gruyère, this dish is enhanced with smoky beef bacon for depth. Finished with a perfectly crisp, buttery panko crust, it is the ideal centerpiece for family gatherings, holidays, or any occasion requiring a soul-warming, nostalgic meal that is sure to please every guest at the table.
Ingredients
16 oz elbow macaroni
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
1 cup smoked beef bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your 9×13 baking dish.
Boil the macaroni in salted water until just al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes until it smells slightly nutty.
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce is thick and glossy.
Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups of cheddar and 1.5 cups of Gruyère until fully melted.
Season the sauce with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Fold the cooked macaroni and crumbled smoked beef bacon into the cheese sauce.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Top with the remaining cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Notes
Always shred your cheese from a block; pre-shredded bags contain anti-caking agents that prevent a smooth melt. Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. For a leaner protein option, you can substitute the smoked beef bacon with crispy turkey bacon.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg