Baking The Perfect Southern Mac And Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a quintessential Southern side dish. While the dish has European roots, the version we know today can be attributed to James Hemings, President Thomas Jefferson's enslaved chef. Hemings learned of the dish during his travels to Europe with Jefferson and produced the cheesy, savory side we all know and love.

Today, there are many ways to cook macaroni and cheese, but the baked version is a favourite for many. This article will discuss how long it takes to cook Southern baked macaroni and cheese.

Choosing the right pasta

When it comes to making Southern baked macaroni and cheese, choosing the right pasta is essential to achieving the perfect dish. While the type of cheese you use is important, the pasta you select will make or break your mac and cheese.

Firstly, it is recommended to use dried pasta over fresh pasta. Dried pasta holds its structure better than fresh pasta, which is crucial when making a thick and heavy cheese sauce. A sturdy pasta will ensure your mac and cheese has a pleasant texture and doesn't turn into a mushy mess.

Now, let's talk about pasta shapes. The best pasta shapes for mac and cheese will have grooves, ridges, and hollow spaces that can trap the sauce and cheese. Here are some specific shapes to look for:

• Lumache: Short, ridged shell-shaped pasta that resembles snails. The pinched ends are perfect for holding sauces and cheese.
• Elbow: A classic choice for mac and cheese. This curved, ridged, and narrow tube-shaped pasta holds the sauce well and is easily accessible in most grocery stores.
• Cavatappi: Nicknamed "double elbows," cavatappi is a corkscrew-shaped pasta with ridges. This shape allows the sauce to soak in and penetrate the centre and outer portions of the pasta.
• Penne or Ziti: These hollow and tubular shapes are ideal for catching the gooey cheese sauce.
• Shells: Varying sizes of shell-shaped pasta can add interest to your mac and cheese and provide ample space for the sauce.
• Campanelle: Bell-shaped pasta with fluted edges and a hollow centre is a unique option that will hold plenty of cheese sauce.
• Fusilli: Corkscrewed fusilli creates interesting spirals of pasta that will trap the sauce and cheese.

When selecting a pasta for your Southern baked macaroni and cheese, remember to look for shapes with nooks, crannies, and ridges. Avoid long, thin pasta like spaghetti, angel hair, linguine, or fettuccine, as they are not suitable for holding the rich cheese sauce.

The importance of butter

Butter is a key component in the dish's signature cheese sauce. When mixed with flour, it forms a roux, which serves as the base for the sauce. This step is crucial, as it determines the sauce's consistency and overall taste. By cooking the flour in butter, the raw flour taste is eliminated, ensuring a smooth and flavourful sauce.

The type of butter used can also impact the dish. Unsalted butter is often preferred, as it allows for better control over the dish's salt content. Additionally, butter can be used to grease the baking dish, preventing the macaroni and cheese from sticking and making cleanup easier.

Butter also plays a role in the baking process itself. When the dish is baked, the butter helps to create a golden, crispy cheese crust that is a signature feature of Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese. This crust not only adds texture but also enhances the dish's visual appeal.

Furthermore, butter can be used as a flavour enhancer. When mixed with herbs, spices, or other seasonings, it can infuse the dish with additional flavour. This technique is especially useful when creating a more complex flavour profile or adding a unique twist to the traditional recipe.

Lastly, butter contributes to the dish's overall richness and indulgent quality. Its high fat content adds depth and a luxurious mouthfeel to the macaroni and cheese, making it a true comfort food.

Why cheddar is a classic choice

Cheddar is a classic choice for baked mac and cheese, and for good reason. Here are several reasons why cheddar is a popular and versatile option for this beloved comfort food:

Taste

Cheddar has a distinct, well-loved flavour that many people enjoy. It has a sharp, tangy taste that can add a nice bite to your mac and cheese. The sharpness of cheddar can also help cut through the richness of the dish, creating a more balanced flavour profile.

Texture

Cheddar has a fairly low melting point, which helps keep your mac and cheese smooth and creamy. It melts easily and combines well with other cheeses, creating a silky texture that coats each noodle perfectly.

Versatility

Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used in various combinations. It pairs well with other cheeses, such as Parmesan, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack. You can also experiment with different types of cheddar, such as extra-sharp or white cheddar, to add depth and nuance to your dish.

Availability

Cheddar is widely available in most supermarkets and grocery stores, making it an accessible option for home cooks. It is also typically affordable, especially when purchased in blocks and grated at home, which also ensures the best melting ability.

Nostalgia

Cheddar is a nostalgic choice for many people, bringing back memories of childhood comfort food. It is a familiar flavour that is comforting and satisfying, especially when paired with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese.

Customisation

Using cheddar as your base cheese allows for customisation and experimentation. You can adjust the sharpness of your cheddar to suit your taste, add other cheeses to enhance the flavour, or include herbs and spices to create a unique dish that's all your own.

In conclusion, cheddar is a classic choice for baked mac and cheese due to its flavour, texture, versatility, and accessibility. It is a versatile cheese that can be tailored to suit your taste preferences, and it pairs well with a variety of other ingredients. So, the next time you're whipping up a batch of mac and cheese, consider reaching for the cheddar—you won't be disappointed!

How to cook the pasta to al dente

To cook pasta to al dente, you'll need to cook it for a shorter duration than what's indicated on the packaging. The cooking time will depend on the type of pasta, but typically al dente pasta is cooked about two or three minutes less than the packaging indicates.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook pasta to al dente:

Step 1: Add Water and Boil

First, add water to your saucepan according to the directions. Cover and turn the heat on high. Allow the water to reach a boil.

Step 2: Add Salt

Next, carefully remove the lid and add sea salt to the boiling water. Typically, a generous tablespoon works well per 12 cups of water.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Reduce Heat

Now that your water is boiling and salted, it's time to add your pasta. Carefully add the pasta to the boiling water, stir, and reduce the heat to medium.

Step 4: Stir the Pasta

Continue stirring your pasta every few minutes as it cooks. For long pasta, like spaghetti, it's particularly important to stir the pasta every 2-3 minutes to avoid it sticking together.

Step 5: Remove Water (Optional)

This step is optional. If you'd like, or if it's necessary for your recipe, you can now use a ladle or measuring cup to remove a cup of starchy pasta water to mix with your sauce later.

Step 6: Drain the Water

The pasta should be tender yet still retain its firmness when you drain the water into a colander over the sink or use a strainer spoon to remove it from the pan.

Step 7: Return Pasta and Add Sauce

Once your pasta is cooked al dente, you can return it to the empty saucepan or add it to a pan of your favorite sauce. You can use the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to help your sauce reach the perfect consistency.

Tips for Cooking Al Dente Pasta:

• Do not rinse pasta when it is done cooking unless you are planning to use it for a cold dish. Rinsing the pasta removes the starch that helps sauces adhere.
• Use a large pot for short pasta and a tall pot for long pasta.
• Remember to decrease the cooking time noted on the pasta's box by about two to three minutes to achieve al dente texture.
• Ensure there is enough water in your pot for the pasta to move around freely.

How to make a simple custard

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
• Place the baking dish in a larger roasting pan and fill the roasting pan with enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the baking dish.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
• Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
• Serve chilled, with a dollop of whipped cream on top if desired.

Frequently asked questions