Delight in Every Bite: Southern Macaroni Pie Recipe
Hark, fellow kitchen dwellers! Today, I bring you a recipe handed down through generations of southern cuisine aficionados – the Southern Macaroni Pie. For those with a hankering for soul food or a taste of the south, this baked macaroni cheese pie recipe is certain to satisfy those cravings.
This is not your typical mac ‘n’ cheese dish. Nay, this devilishly delicious treat is baked to perfection in the oven until it reaches its custard-style consistency. The combination of uncooked elbow macaroni, eggs, evaporated milk, and an irresistible blend of cheeses creates a delectable pie that melts in your mouth with every bite.
But why take my word for it? This recipe has stood the test of time and has been passed down from generation to generation. It remains a staple dish at any southern gathering or Sunday supper across the land. So, why not give this southern baked macaroni cheese pie recipe a try? Trust me; you will not be disappointed. Come, let us embark on this culinary journey together and create this mouthwatering macaroni pie southern style.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, how delightful is this Southern Macaroni Pie recipe! I cannot help but sing its praises.
First and foremost, this macaroni pie is the epitome of soul food. It has an exquisite taste that will light a fire in your taste buds that you never knew existed. Its flavors are incredibly robust and guarantee to keep you coming back for more.
Furthermore, it is super easy to make, fulfilling the old adage “easy as pie.” All you need is a few ingredients – milk, salt, flour, egg, and elbow macaroni – which are readily available in your kitchen pantry. Why add another recipe to your pile of failed attempts when you have this Southern Baked Macaroni Cheese Pie recipe? Trust me on this; once you try it, all other recipes will pale in comparison.
Thirdly, it’s incredibly versatile. You can substitute with veggies or cavatappi if you’re feeling gourmet or bacon/lobster if you’re feeling indulgent. The possibilities are endless with this recipe. You can even swap velveeta for shredded cheese if you prefer a creamier texture.
This macaroni pie III recipe is not just any dish; it’s a classic Southern dish that spans generations. It’s perfect for your next holiday meal or family gathering. Why not add something new to the mix and show loved ones the new king of soul food?
In summary, the Southern Macaroni Pie recipe deserves a spot on your culinary repertoire as it satisfies every taste preference and is simple to prepare. You’ll love this delicious blend that marinades in your mouth with each bite while bringing a nostalgic warmth to your heart. Yield to temptation; go ahead and add this savory delight to your plate today!
Ingredient List
Get your apron on and let’s dive into this classic southern recipe! You’ll need the following ingredients for this soulful delight:
- 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, Southern style.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- 3 cups milk, evaporated or regular.
- ½ tsp dry mustard.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Cooking spray or extra butter for greasing the baking dish.
Pro tip: To add a gourmet twist to this southern classic, swap out the cheddar cheese for Velveeta. If you’re feeling fancy, try adding in cooked chicken, lobster, bacon or veggies like peppers and onion. This recipe is versatile enough to suit all your cravings!
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the recipe and get cooking with this soulful macaroni pie!
Ingredients Required
- 8 ounces of elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 cups of evaporated milk
- 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 3 eggs
- ½ teaspoon of dry mustard
- Salt for taste
- Cooking spray
How to Make Southern Macaroni Cheese Pie?
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions in a large pot of salted water until tender.
- Drain and transfer it to a large bowl.
- In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter on medium heat.
- Add evaporated milk, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, eggs, dry mustard, and salt to the saucepan.
- Whisk together all the ingredients until a custard-style mixture is achieved.
- Pour this mixture over the cooked elbow macaroni noodles until evenly coated.
- Grease an oven-safe baking dish with cooking spray and pour in the macaroni and cheese mixture into it.
- Spread the remaining shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of everything.
- Bake it in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
Making Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to use different types of pasta like cavatappi or even add in some crispy bacon or juicy shredded chicken instead! You could also swap some cheddar cheese with Velveeta for creamier texture or indulge your palate with gourmet lobster or veggie Mac & Cheese pizza toppings.
With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can now make classic southern baked macaroni and cheese pie right at home!
Substitutions and Variations
Hark! Good news for thy epicurean adventurers, for lo, the realm of substitution and variation of this recipe doesth flourish. Tinker with yon ingredients and let thine creativity be thy guide. Below art some recommendations to consider.
– Thou mayeth replace elbow macaroni with any other type of pasta such as cavatappi, penne or rotini.
– For a vegetarian version of this southern baked macaroni pie, replace the regular cheese with a veggie alternative or substitute it with velveeta cheese for a rich creamy flavor.
– Those who are scouting for something more fanciful could add bacon, lobster or even your favorite protein like chicken pieces into the mix for an extra savory tang.
– If you’re lactose intolerant or simply looking for healthier alternatives, thou canst substitute regular milk with almond milk or oat milk or use reduced-fat evaporated milk instead.
– For a gourmet touch to this soul food classic, use aged sharp cheddar cheese or blue cheese in place of regular cheddar cheese. Sprinkle some Parmesan on top before baking to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
– Thou mayeth also experiment with the addition of different types of herbs like basil, rosemary or thyme to add a layer of aromatic flavor unto thy southern style macaroni cheese pie.
Tis but a sampling of ideas. The possibilities are infinite; let thy journey begin!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing Southern Macaroni Pie Recipe, there are plenty of options available to you. This mouth-watering baked macaroni pie is a true soul food with flavors that can complement a range of dishes. The slightly salty and cheesy flavor of macaroni cheese pie makes it the perfect side dish for a host of dishes.
One way to enjoy this baked mac cheese is by serving it alongside fried chicken or roasted vegetables. The crispy crust and creamy center of the baked mac go extremely well with crunchy chicken, while the cheesy pasta perfectly complements the earthy flavors in roasted veggies. Another option is to serve it with grilled sausage or ribs, where the rich flavors can stand up to the robust smokiness of meat.
However, if you are looking for other unique pairings, Southern Macaroni Pie Recipe has got you covered. For a gourmet twist, pair it with savory lobster or top it with crispy bacon slices. Additionally, Southern Macaroni Pie Recipe can be enjoyed on its own as a quick and easy weeknight dinner, served hot straight out of the oven. Also, you can throw in some veggies like broccoli or cavatappi to make it hearty and veggie-packed.
When it comes to drinks, chilled soda or a glass of refreshing homemade lemonade is an ideal accompaniment to this southern delight. Or wine like Chardonnay enhance the delicate balance amidst cheese and pasta flavors.
No matter how you choose to serve and enjoy this delicious macaroni pie recipe, one thing’s sure: every bite will leave you wanting more!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Hark! ‘Tis a savory delicacy that could enchant thine tastebuds for days to come. This southern macaroni pie is not only easy to make, but it is also quite versatile when it comes to storing and reheating. Optimize thine time and enjoy this divine macaroni pie with these tips on making ahead, storing and reheating:
To Make-Ahead:
To make this pie ahead of time, complete the baking process and let it come to room temperature before keeping it in the fridge. A properly stored macaroni pie can be kept in the fridge for up to three days without any loss in flavor or texture. To reheat, move the pie onto a baking dish and let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes before reheating.
Storing:
If stored properly, this macaroni cheese pie can last in the freezer for up to two months. Use an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Before placing it inside the freezer, first cool down the macaroni pie until it reaches room temperature. Properly stored macaroni pies are great for quick weeknight meals, last-minute dinner parties, and can be easily defrosted using your oven or microwave.
Reheating:
To warm up your Southern Macaroni Pie after being frozen, move it from the freezer to the fridge 24 hours prior heating to ensure a smoother reheating process. Preheat thy oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177˚C). Place the defrosted or refrigerated pie onto a buttered baking dish before placing it into thy preheated oven for ten minutes. Rotate it and then continue heating for another ten minutes or until fully heated up.
Whether serving for a family feast or as a star at thine dinner party, follow these storing and reheating tips to keep thy Southern Macaroni Pie tasting fresh as if it was just baked.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making a perfect southern macaroni pie, there are a few tips that can make all the difference in the final result. Here are some suggestions to ensure your macaroni pie turns out perfectly each and every time.
Firstly, be sure to cook your pasta according to package instructions. Overcooking the pasta will result in a mushy texture, while undercooking it will leave it tough and chewy. Using elbow macaroni is essential for this recipe, as it holds its shape well and allows the other ingredients to shine through without overpowering them.
Secondly, custard-style macaroni pies require a good mix of eggs and milk or evaporated milk. This helps to create a creamy texture that’s not too dry or too wet. Be sure to whisk your eggs well before adding any liquid ingredients.
Thirdly, choosing the right cheese is key. Sharp cheddar cheese is a classic choice for southern-style macaroni pie, but you can experiment with different varieties and combinations to suit your taste buds. For example, using a mixture of cheddar and Velveeta cheese will yield a creamier texture.
Fourthly, adding a pinch of dry mustard can help cut through the richness of the dairy ingredients and add some depth of flavor to the mix.
Lastly, covering your baking dish with foil halfway through baking can help prevent the top layer from turning brown too quickly. This will give your macaroni pie enough time to cook through evenly without burning on top.
Follow these tips, and you’ll achieve a soul-satisfying southern baked macaroni pie every time!
FAQ
Hark! Thou hath come to the point in which thou dost seeketh answers to questions that may arise whilst cooking this Southern Macaroni Pie. Fret thee not, for I have compiled a list of commonly asked queries, so that thou may cooketh with ease and confidence throughout the process. Readeth on for clarification and enlightenment.
How do you make Paula Deen’s macaroni and cheese?
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to a toasty 350 degrees. While we wait, grab a pot and get some water boiling for the macaroni. Cook it until it’s al dente – not too soft, not too hard – just like the package says.
Now, let’s get to work on the creamy goodness that’s going to make this mac and cheese pop. Melt down some butter and mix it together with half and half, eggs, sour cream, and a dash of salt, pepper, and cayenne to bring some heat into the mix.
Once the macaroni has cooked to perfection, drain it and toss it back into the pot. Pour in the creamy egg mixture and give it a good stir until everything is nicely combined.
Why add evaporated milk to mac and cheese?
Evaporated milk is a secret ingredient that can transform your mac and cheese recipe by providing it with a rich and creamy texture without adding the weight of heavy cream or the troubles of making a roux. Give it a try, and you’ll be surprised by how the addition of evaporated milk can elevate your mac and cheese to the next level.
Why add eggs to macaroni and cheese?
To elevate the creaminess of the Mac and Cheese, adding an egg has proven to be a game-changer. In my experiments, the presence of an egg created a much smoother texture in the dish compared to when it wasn’t included. To prepare the egg, take a medium-sized bowl and whisk it until it’s beaten. Afterward, gradually pour 2-3 tablespoons of the already thickened milk mixture to warm the egg.
Why is my macaroni pie falling apart?
When it comes to ensuring the perfect moisture level in your pie, it requires careful consideration of ingredients and temperature. Balancing these factors is key to achieving the desired outcome. Adding a mixture of cream or milk and butter can result in a wonderfully moist pie, while incorporating baking flour or breadcrumbs can make it more firm.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Southern Macaroni Pie Recipe is a must-have for any soul food lover. With its creamy custard-style base and sharp cheddar cheese topping, this dish is sure to please any palate. It’s easy to customize with variations like adding bacon, chicken, or veggies to make it your own gourmet mac and cheese. And with the convenience of being able to make it ahead of time and store it for later, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
So why wait? Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and get started on this delicious Southern Macaroni Pie Recipe today! Whether you’re in the mood for an easy pizza night or a more decadent lobster mac and cheese, this recipe will satisfy your cravings every time. And don’t forget to pair it with your favorite Southern side dishes like collard greens or cornbread.
So go ahead and indulge in some comfort food with this incredible southern baked macaroni pie recipe. It’s rich, flavorful and simply delightful, plus you can’t miss the chance to enjoy a classic dish that truly evokes the southern spirit. Trust me, you’ll love the taste of southern macaroni pie!
Southern Macaroni Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb elbow macaroni (about 2 cups dry)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk
- 12 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in salted water until almost done.
- Beat egg and flour with fork until there are no lumps.
- Beat in milk and salt.
- In a greased 2 quart shallow casserole dish, layer the macaroni, cheese, another layer of macaroni, and a final layer of cheese.
- Pour the milk mixture over the top of layered ingredients.
- Bake uncovered 45 to 55 minutes in a 350 degree Fahrenheit preheated oven.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 15 minutes before serving.
- This last step is important to let the pie set-up.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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