Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
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There is no shortage of macaroni and cheese side dish recipes on TikTok. From the original and incredible TikTok mac and cheese to this smothered-in-cheese super creamy version, there is always more than one way to indulge in this favorite viral recipe.
Starting with simple noodles, this recipe turns sour cream, seasonings, and tons of cheese to bake into simply incredible perfection. TikTok claims this is a top-winning southern baked macaroni and cheese, and we agree.
Why you will love TikTok’s Creamy Baked Mac N’ Cheese
Cheese, cheese, and more cheese! The triple blast of cheddar, Colby, and Monterey jack cheese combines into an ultra-cheesy noodle.
And while we love the way these three taste together, don’t be afraid to try other cheese variations to switch it up. For example, Pepperjack provides just the right amount of kick when wanted.
Homemade and Baked – There is nothing wrong with good boxed Annies or Kraft Mac and Cheese on a school night. But with just a tiny bit of effort, quality and deliciousness are at your fingertips. Baked macaroni and cheese are hands down a favorite family dinner (not just side) that leaves little room for error when it comes to a filling meal and perfect comfort food.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni: This dish starts with cooked pasta. Follow the instructions on the box, and once cooked, move on to the next portion of the recipe. Instead of boiling dry noodles in water, try chicken broth!
- Butter: To prep butter, cube it.
- Sour cream: I am not a fan of using anything less than full-fat sour cream for flavor.
- Seasonings: Season with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and optional black pepper.
- Cheese: The best cheeses in this TikTok video include mild cheddar, Colby jack, and Monterey jack cheese.
- Misc: You will also need full-fat milk, heavy whipping cream, and two eggs.
How to Make Southern Baked Macaroni Cheese
- Mix boiled macaroni noodles and butter until butter is melted. Stir sour cream into the macaroni mixture. Add kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika, and mix the pasta mixture one more time super well.
- Shred cheese and mix. Set aside.
- Whisk together milk, heavy cream, and egg. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 375 and grease a 9×13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Layer half of the macaroni onto the bottom of the baking dish.
- Top with half of the cheese and pour half of the liquid on top. Repeat layers, ending with cheese and sprinkling the top with additional paprika.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
What are common variations of baked mac and cheese?
Most variations have to do with noodle shape (the elbow reigns supreme, though), changing up the cheese, and toppings.
Seasonings: Other than a dash extra of paprika, a packet of ranch seasoning can provide a familiar flavor and is a personal favorite. The creamy texture of macaroni combined with ranch is about the most incredible homemade cheese sauce ever. Another great way to flavor southern macaroni is adding some roasted or minced garlic.
Toppings: It’s common for a baked mac and cheese recipe to include bread crumbs (sometimes with Grated Cheese like Parmesan) or pieces of crunchy bacon. Additionally, broiling can provide an incredible golden brown top to this dish.
What cheese is best for Mac & Cheese?
The creamy sauce in baked macaroni comes from a variety of cheese and a combination of sour cream and butter. Try one of these pre-shredded cheese options to mix the cooked macaroni taste.
- Colby Jack
- Cheddar Cheese
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Gouda
- Monterey Jack
- Fontina
- Pepperjack
TikTok Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 oz. elbow macaroni cooked, drained, and kept warm
- 2 sticks butter cubed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 8 oz. Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 8 oz. Monteray Jack shredded
- 8 oz. Colby Jack shredded
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Mix cooked and drained macaroni and cubed butter together until butter is fully melted.
- Stir in sour cream.
- Add salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika and mix well.
- Shred cheese blocks and mix together. Set cheese aside.
- Whisk together milk, heavy whipping cream, and 2 eggs. Set bowl aside.
- Preheat the oven to 375 and grease a 9×13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Layer half of the cooked macaroni noodles onto the bottom of the baking pan.
- Top with half of the shredded cheese and pour half of the liquid milk/cream mixture on top.
- Repeat layers, ending with cheese and sprinkling the top with additional paprika.
- Bake southern macaroni for 30-35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, let the dish stand for 5 minutes before scooping and serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.
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