Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese with a Smoky Twist

Name: Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese with a Smoky Twist
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded smoked gouda; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated parmesan; 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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If you're on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food, look no further. This Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese with a Smoky Twist combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of smokiness that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

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Ingredients for Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese with a Smoky Twist

The base of this dish starts with elbow macaroni, which is classic for capturing all that luscious cheese sauce. The butter and flour form a roux, the foundation for our creamy sauce. Whole milk and heavy cream ensure the sauce is rich and decadent. The combination of shredded cheddar cheese and smoked gouda offers a balance of sharp and smoky flavors. A dash of smoked paprika and garlic powder adds depth, while salt and black pepper bring everything together. For a satisfying crunch, panko breadcrumbs and parmesan top it off. Finally, a sprinkle of chopped parsley gives a fresh, vibrant finish.

Tips & Tricks

Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and texture.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
For extra smokiness, try adding a bit of liquid smoke to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This mac and cheese pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve alongside barbecued chicken or ribs. A light, refreshing iced tea or lemonade would complement the rich flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of cheese?: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorites. Monterey Jack or Gruyère would work well here.
How can I make this ahead of time?: Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.

Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese with a Smoky Twist Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that's warming up, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain it well and set it aside while you work on the sauce.

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and let it cook for about 1 to 2 minutes. You're looking for a golden color, which means the raw flour taste is gone.

Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Stir constantly to avoid lumps, and continue until the mixture thickens. Remove it from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, gouda, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth.

Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle is coated. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and parmesan. Sprinkle this mixture over the macaroni for a crispy topping.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Features a smoky flavor that elevates traditional mac and cheese.
Uses a blend of cheeses for a rich and creamy texture.
Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
Easy to make, with ingredients you likely have on hand.

Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni

4 tbsp unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded smoked gouda

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated parmesan

2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain and set aside.

3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

4. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.

5. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until mixture thickens.

6. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, gouda, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.

7. Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni, mixing well.

8. Transfer to a greased baking dish.

9. In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and parmesan, then sprinkle over macaroni mixture.