Easy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Mac and cheese is a dish I really like, and many people enjoy it too.

Soul food baked macaroni and cheese

There are different ways to make macaroni and cheese, and one way is to bake it the Southern soul food style!

This recipe has a creamy cheese sauce and Southern flavors. It's baked until the edges are crispy and browned, giving it that homemade kitchen feel!

African-American macaroni and cheese recipes

Why is Southern baked mac and cheese important in Black culture?

Baked mac and cheese is just one of the many soul food dishes that became popular in America. It has a long history.

Originally called macaroni pie, baked mac and cheese was created by James Hemings, an African American who was enslaved and trained as a chef in France.

Hemings was born in Virginia in 1765. At eight years old, he became one of Thomas Jefferson's many slaves at his Monticello plantation.

At 19, Jefferson took Hemings to France to learn French cooking.

What milk is best for mac and cheese?

While whole milk is the creamiest choice for this baked mac and cheese recipe, you can use other milk substitutes.

Reduced-fat milk and alternatives will still give you a tasty mac and cheese.

Can you make macaroni and cheese in the slow cooker?

Mac and cheese is an easy dish to make, and it doesn't have to take all day, even in a slow cooker.

Slow cookers are a great way to make macaroni and cheese. You can have it ready in less than an hour by using the right ingredients and following these simple instructions.

The best part is that you only need one pot – your slow cooker (or Instant Pot with a slow cooker setting)!

For baked mac and cheese, the extra baking step is needed for that golden bubbly texture!

Easy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Preparation Time: 35 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Soul Food
Servings: 6
Calories: 522 kcal

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided into 1 tablespoon & 3 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons flour
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (pre-shredded or grated)
• 1 cup Colby-jack cheese (pre-shredded or grated)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ tablespoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 3 cups water
• 4 ¼ cups milk (divided into 1 ¼ cups & 3 cups)
• 8 oz. uncooked macaroni noodles

Instructions:

1. Turn on the Instant Pot's sauté setting for 25 minutes (you might not need the full time).
2. Fill the Instant Pot with 3 cups of milk, 3 cups of water, and 1 tablespoon of butter.
3. Once it simmers, add the macaroni and cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping.
4. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
5. Add 3 tablespoons of butter to the pot, turn on sauté, and melt the butter.
6. Add flour, 1 ¼ cups of milk, and seasonings. Whisk until smooth.
7. Change the Instant Pot setting from sauté to slow cook for 1 hour (you won't need the full time).
8. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
9. Stir in the cheeses (saving some for topping).
10. Close the Instant Pot with the lid and let it slow cook for 5-10 minutes until the cheeses blend.
11. Open the lid, add the cooked pasta and heavy cream, stirring to blend.
12. Transfer the mixture into an 8-inch skillet or baking pan.
13. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
14. Bake in the Instant Pot Omni Plus oven at 350°F for 20 minutes or in a conventional oven for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
15. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes:

1. Use sharp cheddar cheese for authentic Southern mac and cheese.
2. Choose good quality macaroni.
3. Boil the macaroni in a mix of half water and half milk for a smooth texture.
4. Use a shallow baking dish like an 8-inch pan or cast iron skillet.
5. Be attentive when using the sauté setting on the Instant Pot to avoid burning or over-cooking.