If you're looking for a delicious and comforting side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, look no further than classic Southern mac and cheese. Made with a rich and creamy cheese sauce and tender macaroni noodles, this dish is a staple in Southern cuisine and will have your taste buds singing with every bite.
For a slightly different take on the classic, try Southern mac and cheese. This version features a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses for a gooey and flavorful cheese sauce. It's the perfect balance of creamy and tangy, making it the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken.
Take your mac and cheese to the next level with this Southern baked version. The cheese sauce is baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping, giving it a satisfying crunch with every bite. It's a hearty and comforting dish that will have you going back for seconds.
Similar to the baked version, this Southern baked mac and cheese features a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, but with the addition of cream cheese for an extra creamy texture. It's a decadent side dish that will pair perfectly with your beer can chicken.
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Southern Style Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese
Main Ingredients: Cooking Spray, Macaroni, Evaporated Milk, Whole Milk
For an easy and hands-off version of mac and cheese, try this Southern style slow cooker recipe. It's made with a blend of cheeses, milk, and seasonings, and cooks to perfection in your slow cooker. This is a great option for busy days when you still want a delicious and comforting side dish.
If you're a fan of a classic cheese sauce, this Southern style mac and cheese is for you. Made with a simple roux and a blend of cheddar and Colby jack cheeses, this dish is simple yet satisfying. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a classic Southern meal.
Looking for a little bit of heat in your mac and cheese? This Southern baked version features a spicy kick with the addition of jalapenos and hot sauce. It's a fun twist on the classic dish and will add some excitement to your meal.
For a truly indulgent mac and cheese experience, try this traditional Southern recipe. Made with heavy cream, butter, and a blend of cheeses, this dish is rich and flavorful. It's the perfect side dish to pair with your beer can chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Stick to the basics with this traditional Southern mac and cheese recipe. Made with a blend of cheddar and American cheeses, this dish is creamy and cheesy, just like grandma used to make. It's a simple and delicious side dish that will complement your beer can chicken perfectly.
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Ultimate Southern Macaroni & Cheese
Main Ingredients: Elbow Macaroni, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Evaporated Milk
For a truly decadent mac and cheese experience, try this ultimate Southern version. It's made with a blend of cheddar, gouda, and Parmesan cheeses, along with heavy cream and butter for a rich and creamy sauce. This dish is a showstopper and will take your beer can chicken dinner to the next level.
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GRANDMA’S SOUTHERN MAC AND CHEESE
Main Ingredients: Elbow Macaroni, Cheddar Cheese, Milk, Eggs, Yellow
There's nothing quite like grandma's cooking, and this Southern mac and cheese recipe is no exception. Made with a blend of cheddar and Velveeta cheeses, this dish is incredibly creamy and comforting. It's a family favorite that will pair perfectly with your beer can chicken.
For a classic baked mac and cheese with a Southern twist, try this recipe. It's made with a blend of cheddar and Colby jack cheeses, along with a dash of Cajun seasoning for some added flavor. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and will be a hit alongside your beer can chicken.
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Southern Mac And Cheese With Smoked Collards
Main Ingredients: Andouille Sausages, Onion, Collard Greens, Chicken
If you want to add some greens to your mac and cheese, try this Southern version with smoked collard greens. The smoky flavor of the greens adds a unique twist to the classic dish, making it a standout side dish to pair with your beer can chicken.
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Southern Style Mac & Cheese (Video Tutorial)
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Colby Jack Cheese, Extra Sharp Cheddar
Not sure how to make a classic Southern mac and cheese? Check out this video tutorial for step-by-step instructions and tips to help you create the perfect dish. You'll be whipping up this delicious side dish in no time to enjoy with your beer can chicken.
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Creamy Southern Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onion, Flour, Skim Milk, Nutmeg, Mustard, Salt
For a creamy and tangy mac and cheese, try this Southern version. It's made with a blend of cheddar and cream cheese, along with a dash of hot sauce for some added heat. This dish is a tasty and indulgent addition to your beer can chicken dinner.
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Southern Ghoulash
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Yellow Onion, Green Bell Pepper
This Southern version of goulash features macaroni noodles, ground beef, and a blend of cheeses for a hearty and satisfying meal. It's a one-pot wonder that is sure to please the whole family and pairs perfectly with beer can chicken for a delicious and complete meal.
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Southern Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Elbow Macaroni, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Milk, Eggs
For a homemade baked mac and cheese that will rival any restaurant, try this Southern recipe. Made with a blend of cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, this dish is creamy and flavorful with a crispy breadcrumb topping. It's a comforting and delicious side dish to serve alongside your beer can chicken.
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Southern Macaroni Pie
Main Ingredients: Elbow Macaroni, Unsalted Butter, Cheese, Large Egg
This unique take on mac and cheese features a pie crust and a blend of cheddar and Swiss cheeses for a cheesy and indulgent dish. It's a fun twist on the classic and will add some variety to your beer can chicken dinner.
If you're a fan of a classic and simple mac and cheese, try this Southern version. Made with a blend of cheddar and Velveeta cheeses, this dish is creamy and comforting. It's a go-to side dish that will pair perfectly with your beer can chicken.
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Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Elbow Macaroni, Butter, All Purpose Flour, Milk, Salt
This baked mac and cheese recipe is a Southern staple. Made with a blend of cheddar and Colby jack cheeses, along with heavy cream and a dash of hot sauce, this dish is creamy and flavorful. It's a must-have side dish to serve alongside your beer can chicken.
The Secret Ingredient for the Perfect Southern Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that has stood the test of time. But for those in the Southern United States, mac and cheese is more than just a side dish – it’s a staple and a source of pride. Every family has their own version of the perfect southern mac and cheese recipe stovetop, passed down from generation to generation. And while there are many variations, there is one secret ingredient that sets Southern mac and cheese apart from the rest – creamy, rich, and tangy buttermilk.
The Buttermilk Difference
Adding buttermilk to your mac and cheese may seem unconventional, but trust us, it’s a game-changer. Buttermilk is a fermented dairy product with a thick, creamy texture and a tangy taste. Its acidity helps to cut through the richness of the cheese and adds a depth of flavor that takes your mac and cheese to the next level. When combined with the creaminess of the cheese sauce, the result is a perfectly balanced dish that will have your taste buds singing.
Picking the Right Cheese
Another key to making the perfect Southern mac and cheese is choosing the right cheese. While there are many types of cheese that can be used, the most popular and traditional choice is sharp cheddar. It has a tangy and slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the buttermilk. Other popular cheese options include Colby, Monterey Jack, and Gouda. To achieve the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
The Key to a Creamy Sauce
The key to a creamy and smooth cheese sauce is making a roux. A roux is a mixture of fat (usually butter) and flour that serves as a thickening agent for sauces. To make the roux, melt butter in a pan and add an equal amount of flour, stirring constantly until a paste forms. Then slowly add in buttermilk, whisking constantly until the roux is fully incorporated. Once your roux is ready, you can add in your grated cheese, a pinch of salt, and any other seasonings of your choice.
Bringing it All Together
Now that you have your tangy buttermilk, selected your perfect cheese, and made a creamy roux, it’s time to bring it all together. Cook your pasta according to package instructions, making sure to save some of the pasta water. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the cheese sauce, stirring until fully coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. For an extra indulgent touch, top your mac and cheese with some crispy bacon bits or breadcrumbs before serving.
In conclusion, the secret to the perfect Southern mac and cheese is the addition of tangy buttermilk. Its unique flavor and acidity elevate the dish to a whole new level and make it a standout among other mac and cheese recipes. With the right cheese, a creamy roux, and a little bit of creativity, you can create a delicious and authentic southern mac and cheese stovetop that will have your family and friends asking for seconds.
