Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Macaroni and cheese, or ‘Mac and Cheese’, is a renowned dish embraced across the globe, including France. I believe that having diverse versions from various countries offers a delicious opportunity to explore and appreciate the nuances. So, let’s delve into the French take on this comforting classic

WHAT MILK IS BEST FOR MAC AND CHEESE?

For me, evaporated milk is the way to go. Making old fashioned baked mac and cheese with evaporated milk is second nature to me. And I think it produces the creamiest results!

HOW DO YOU MAKE MAC AND CHEESE FROM SCRATCH?

INGREDIENTS

• 250 g of macaroni pasta
• 300 ml of heavy cream
• 200 ml of evaporated milk
• 2 cloves of chopped garlic
• A pinch of grated nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• For the topping
• 300 g of grated cheese
• 1 Tomato (sliced)

METHOD OF PREPARATION

1. Begin by cooking the macaroni in a pot of boiling water seasoned with salt.
2. While the pasta is simmering away, place a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Pour in the cream, milk, grated nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4. Gently bring this mixture to a delicate boil.
5. Transfer the milk and cream mixture to a spacious bowl and place the pasta on top. Give the pasta a good toss.
6. Coat a sizable baking dish with a generous layer of butter.
7. Sprinkle finely sliced garlic across the bottom of the dish.With the preparation complete, preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
8. Bring forth the macaroni medley and pour it into the awaiting baking dish.
9. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Generously spread the grated cheese to create a comforting cheesy blanket, then top it with freshly sliced tomatoes to add a burst of color.
11. Bake for 30 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.While this dish is undoubtedly satisfying on its own, in France, it often graces the table as a showstopping side to dishes like chicken and some veggies at the side

RECIPE TIPS

USE UP BLUE CHEESE

Crumble 50g stilton, dolcelatte or roquefort into the sauce, instead of the parmesan. Spoon the pasta into the dish, then top with 4 trimmed field mushrooms, gills facing upwards, instead of the crumbs. Drizzle with a little oil, season, then top with a little more blue cheese. Bake as before.

WHAT ARE THE 3 BEST CHEESES FOR MAC AND CHEESE?

First, I like to use one semi-hard aged cheese like sharp cheddar. Then one creamy cheese that melts well, like mild cheddar, mozzarella or Monterey Jack. And finally, an extra-creamy cheese like mascarpone or cream cheese just to add to the creaminess of your southern baked mac and cheese recipe!

Can I make this southern baked mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare your mac and cheese the night before and bake the following day. Just complete all the steps except the last one (baking), and place in the fridge covered with plastic wrap. The next day, bake in preheated oven as normal, although you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the cook time. 

Can this baked mac and cheese be frozen?

Yes, this southern baked mac and cheese freezes very well! Just cool the mac and cheese completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Allow to thaw, still wrapped, in the fridge before baking as usual.