Here in the South Macaroni and Cheese is considered a vegetable. Well, not really but I’ve seen it listed with the vegetables in menus my whole life. It’s just one of those quirky things we do down here that confuses the rest of the country.
While macaroni and cheese is considered to be a traditionally Southern dish its origin dates back to the 1700’s in Europe
Who invented macaroni and cheese?
It’s not known who invented macaroni and cheese it is widely believed that Thomas Jefferson is responsible for bringing macaroni to America. The story goes that on a trip to France Jefferson fell in love with the pasta dishes served there and returned to the United Stated with noodle recipes and a pasta machine. When he later became president he served macaroni and cheese at an official state dinner.
This version of macaroni and cheese is made with simple, staple ingredients you probably already have on hand. The ingredients can also be exchanged for similar items. For example the elbow pasta can be swapped for penne. Or you can use any one or combination of these cheeses listed below.
What are the best cheeses for macaroni and cheese?
It’s important to use a strong cheese with a lot of flavor when making mac ’n cheese because the white sauce, roux, that is the base will absorb a lot of flavor. Cheeses like the ones listed below are excellent choices for making mac ‘n cheese:
- sharp cheddar
- white cheddar
- smoked gouda
- gruyere,
- or parmigiana reggiano
No matter what cheese or cheese you choose to prepare this recipe with it will be a amazing!
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Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese
Skillet Taco Mac ‘n Cheese
Philly Cheesesteak Mac ‘n Cheese
Easy Homemade Mac 'n Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 oz. elbow shaped pasta
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees
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Prepare pasta according to package directions
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In a sauce pan over low heat combine flour and butter whisking for two minutes. Then slowing add in milk whisking unit well combined. Add in half of the cheese a small amount at a time until melted. Remove from heat.
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Drain pasta pasta and pour into a casserole dish prepared with non-stick spray
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Pour mixture evenly on top of pasta (you might have to stir the mixture around some)
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Cover top with remaining cheese
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Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly
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Hi there! Visiting from What To Do Weekends. Yum! Thanks so much for an easy recipe! Pinned!
Hi Susanne,
Oh my how I do love homemade Mac N Cheese, it is one of my all time favorites and your recipe looks awesome! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday this week and come back soon!
Miz Helen
I love homemade mac & Cheese!! Yum!! Thanks for sharing on My 2 Favorite Things on Thursday – Link Party!! I hope to see you again tomorrow … I love having you!! Pinned!
Yum yum yum, I MUST ATTEMPT THIS! Great post xo
This looks so good. Stumbled it and Pinned it, too.
When I make this version I do not use any heat until I place it in the oven. Perhaps you would prefer my recipe for Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese. This recipe has a creamy cheese sauce that’s cooked on the stovetop as the base. Link: https://newsouthcharm.com/2015/11/southern-style-macaroni-and-cheese.html
HI! Do you cover the mac and cheese with foil to bake in the oven? Thanks!
Elizabeth,
I don’t cover this particular version with foil but if you want to it’s fine. As long as the noodles don’t dry out in the oven they shouldn’t burn.
Thanks for stopping by,
Susanne
I put chicken and bacon in it yum ????
Simple easy steps ,added pepper .Family loved it .
This Mac and Cheese is not only delicious but a crowd pleaser as well! Looking forward to trying more of your recipes!