Everyone enjoys macaroni and cheese, but this recipe elevates it to a whole new level with Southern Macaroni and Cheese. This dish adds layers of flavor and texture to your table and is more than just comfort food. It’s a special occasion experience. This Southern version of mac and cheese starts with a rich, smooth milk-and-egg base instead of the usual roux. The outcome? A richer, creamier dish that can be the talk of any holiday dinner, family get-together, or occasion. This dish is a family heirloom that has been passed down through the generations and is adapted from the recipe of Millie Peartree, a talented chef and the owner of Millie Peartree Fish Fry & Soul Food in the Bronx.
Every mouthful reflects the rich history of Millie Peartree’s Southern Macaroni and Cheese. This recipe’s balance of strong, sharp flavors and rich, creamy textures is crucial. The Colby Jack produces a gooey, molten center, and the extra-sharp cheddar offers a rich, tangy base. In contrast to other mac and cheese recipes, the final addition of smoked cheddar cheese adds a smoky depth. You can easily use mozzarella or a Mexican-style blend in place of Colby Jack if it’s not available, but the smoky cheddar is what really makes the Southern flair.
| Recipe Name | Southern Mac and Cheese |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Southern Comfort Food |
| Ingredients | Elbow macaroni, milk, heavy cream, cheese blend (Colby, Monterey Jack), Velveeta, sharp cheddar, eggs, smoked cheddar, paprika |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35-45 minutes |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Serving Size | 6-8 servings |
| Special Features | Rich, creamy, smoky flavor, perfect for holidays and gatherings |
| Origin | Millie Peartree’s family recipe, Bronx, New York |
A Delectable Tradition and a Rich History
Southern Macaroni and Cheese is a tale as much as a recipe. Millie Peartree Fish Fry & Soul Food is a family-run restaurant in the center of the Bronx that has long been a favorite among both locals and tourists. Since she was a little child, Millie has been preparing Southern Mac and Cheese, a recipe that captures the hearty, flavorful dishes that are popular in the South. Every bite demonstrates Millie’s dedication to excellence, and she has worked to make sure the recipe both honors her heritage and appeals to the wide range of New Yorkers’ palates.
This dish exemplifies the friendliness and warmth of Southern cooking, making it more than just a recipe for special occasions. This dish is elevated from simple comfort food to an unforgettable experience by the use of rich, creamy cheeses and a perfectly cooked macaroni base. This Southern Macaroni and Cheese will quickly become a mainstay at your table, whether you’re serving it for a holiday party or just having a peaceful family meal.
Flavor and Texture Are the Keys to Southern Macaroni and Cheese
This Southern Mac and Cheese recipe’s focus on flavor and texture is what really makes it stand out from the others. First, the cheese melts perfectly into the creamy, custard-like filling, which is made with milk, heavy cream, and eggs. While the Colby Jack cheese adds that delicious molten texture that we all love in a good mac and cheese, the combination of Velveeta and sharp cheddar makes sure that every bite is bursting with flavor.
The meticulous baking procedure is the key to getting the ideal harmony of flavors and textures. When the mac and cheese comes out of the oven, it should be just a little jiggly; this indicates that it is cooked to perfection and will solidify as it cools. The dish’s creamy filling is beautifully contrasted with the rich, smoky depth that the smoked cheddar on top adds. Although optional, the paprika gives the dish a subtle color and heat boost that also improves its appearance.
Why Macaroni and Cheese from the South Will Take Center Stage
This recipe is revolutionary if you’ve never had Southern Macaroni and Cheese before. With its strong, tangy, and smoky flavors, it’s everything you love about mac and cheese, but enhanced for special occasions. This dish will definitely be the highlight of the meal, whether you’re preparing it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a family get-together. The combination of the smoky cheddar and the sharp tang of the extra-sharp cheddar with the creamy, rich base makes for a memorable dish that will leave your guests wanting more.
Despite using basic ingredients, the technique and flavor balance are what really set this recipe apart. Southern Macaroni and Cheese by Millie Peartree is the ideal illustration of how classic recipes can be handed down and refined over time to produce a dish that appeals to both historical and contemporary palates.
Try this Southern Mac and Cheese recipe the next time you want to wow your loved ones with a dish that is both comforting and unique. It will quickly become a family favorite thanks to its smoky flavor and rich, creamy texture.
