Make this Southern holiday stapleone of the starring sides at your Thanksgiving table.
Frequently asked questions
What is Southern mac and cheese?
Southern-style mac and cheese is typically made with a milk-and-egg base rather than a roux. Here, the milk component is an infused milk-and-cream mixture reserved from cooking the noodles (which adds even more richness to the dish). The finished macaroni and cheese is firm enough to slice into solid squares.
What cheese makes the best mac and cheese?
Three types of cheese — extra-sharp cheddar, Colby-Jack, and cream cheese — go into this impossibly decadent recipe. Mild Colby-Jack contributes superb meltability; extra-sharp cheddar imparts a distinctly cheesy flavor; and cream cheese bestows a luscious, velvety tang. For the smoothest texture, purchase block cheese for this recipe, not the pre-shredded kind (which contains anti-caking agents).
Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen
This Southern-style mac and cheese is simple to make but does require a bit of attention for a perfect result. Unlike most recipes, the macaroni here is cooked in the dairy instead of water. Resist the urge to boil the pasta until completely tender; you want it to just reach al dente. Since you'll need to use the reserved dairy to make the cheese sauce, overcooking the pasta means you likely won't have enough liquid left for the task. Also, be sure to set aside half a cup of the Colby-Jack to sprinkle on at the end for a beautifully browned top.
