Southern Macaroni and Cheese

Submitted by Marg (CaymanDesigns)

"A recipe I gladly received from my husband's grandmother. True comfort food!"

 

• Ready In: 50mins
• Ingredients: 6
• Serves: 8-10

ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked
• 8 ounces cheddar cheese or 8 ounces colby cheese, shredded
• 1⁄4 - 1⁄2 cup butter, melted
• saltine crackers or cheese crackers, crushed
• 2⁄3 cup milk
• salt and pepper

directions

1. Spray a flat bottomed casserole dish with vegetable spray.
2. Put half of the macaroni in the dish, top with half of the shredded cheese.
3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Repeat.
5. Mix the melted butter and enough crushed saltines to absorb the butter, together.
6. Spread on top of cheese layer.
7. Pour milk slowly over all.
8. Bake at 350°F for 35-45 minutes or until milk is no longer liquid.
9. Let set for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Reviews

[Terry X.]

My dad taught me an old secret to baked mac n cheese. To help solidify the milk in the casserole when it is baking, beat one or two eggs into the milk before adding to the casserole. Bake as per the recipe. Awesome. Also, the secret to fantastic mac n cheese is in the "taste" of the mac n x cheese. The taste depends on the ingredients you use (butter, cheese etc.) Don't just use any old cheese or butter. Use your favorite brands. I've done this for decades and everyone LOVES my baked mac n cheese casseroles. It makes a world of difference in the taste.

 

[rafaella.carreno_12]

I've never made Mac and cheese; not from a box. This was great. I didn't use salt but used cheez-it crackers for the topping. Everyone loved it for Sunday dinner. I used 8oz scale weight, fyi. Not measuring cup 8oz.

 

[Laurel R.]

My mom made her mac and cheese with buttered cracker crumbs on top and we all loved it! I do mine a little differently - I melt the butter and then add minced onion, salt and pepper. After the onion is transparent, I add cornstarch and stir till thick and then stir in the milk. I then add the grated cheese (I use sharp cheese for extra flavor) and stir till smooth. Then I add to the cooked macaroni, top with the buttered saltine crumbs and bake. Delicious!

 

[djcash23]

It's not southern mac and cheese if it doesn't have eggs in it- this is one of the primary differences between northern and southern. I also suggest mixing everything together before pouring into your casserole dish for better distribution. Then top with some more cheese and your cracker of choice (although I like using dry seasoned stuffing mix).

 

[Derf2440]

this was very good Marg! very rich and buttery/cheesey and we loved the crunchy topping!! It made a great side with our meatloaf. I will probably make it again, great comfort food, next time I will cut back some on the butter though so i won't feel so guilty!! Forgot to say that I did use wholewheat macaroni! thanks for posting.