Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Servings: 8 Total Time: 45 mins Difficulty: Intermediate
An easy, soul-warming side dish that’s perfect for Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, or any family Sunday supper.
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese pinit View Gallery 6 photos

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Why You Will Love This Grilled Tomahawk Steak

My fiancé is a steak fanatic, so if he says a steak is good, then ITS GOOD! All jokes aside, you will love this Grilled Tomahawk steak for three reasons:

Ingredients

  • Tomahawk Steak: The star of the show! This is essentially a ribeye with the long bone still attached.
  • Oil: I use a little bit of oil to help the seasoning stick and get that perfect sear.
  • Steak Seasoning: Use your favorite blend; since the meat is so high quality, you don’t need to overcomplicate it.
  • Thermometer & Grill: These aren’t ingredients, but they are necessities! The thermometer is the only way to guarantee that perfect pink center.

How to Make Grilled Tomahawk Steak

To get started, preheat your oven to 275°F. Take the tomahawk steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to come to room temperature. This is a crucial step to ensure the meat cooks evenly throughout. Once it has sat out, pat the steak completely dry with paper towels, drizzle it with oil, and season it generously on all sides, including the edges.

Next, insert your meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, making sure the probe reaches the center. Place the steak in the oven and cook it low and slow until the internal temperature reaches 110°F.

As soon as it hits that temperature, remove it from the oven and move it to a preheated, high-heat grill. To achieve a perfect medium-rare, grill the steak for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. This will give you those beautiful char marks and bring the internal temperature up to about 130°F to 135°F. Once you pull it off the grill, let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing so the juices can redistribute.

Tips for the Best Grilled Tomahawk Steak

  • Don’t Overcook It!: Seriously, medium-rare is the only way to go with a Tomahawk. We are leaving those well-done days in the past! You want that center to be a perfect, juicy pink. If you let it go too long, you’ll lose all that tenderness and flavor, and we didn’t come this far just to eat a hockey puck.
  • Let It Rest!: I know it’s tempting to cut into it right away, but you have to let that steak rest for at least 10 minutes after it comes off the grill. This allows the juices to redistribute so they stay in the meat and don’t end up all over your cutting board.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Butter Basting: If you want to be extra, you can top the steak with a slice of garlic butter while it’s resting.
  • Different Cuts: You can use this exact same “Reverse Sear” method for a thick Filet Mignon or a New York Strip!

Other Recipes You Will Love

If you loved this, you have to try my Grilled Steak Pasta Salad!

A close-up of sliced beef steaks with a green herb garnish, accompanied by grilled corn topped with cheese and spices, and a small bowl of green sauce on a wooden cutting board.

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 45 mins
Cooking Temp: 400  F Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 25 Calories: 580
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

A rich, soul-warming baked macaroni and cheese featuring a velvety homemade cheese sauce and a perfect golden crust.

Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Cook macaroni noodles in salted water according to package instructions. Add in 2 chicken bouillon cubes while cooking to season the noodles. Drain and set aside.
  2. Shred your sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack. Set aside half of the total cheese for layering.
  3. Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Slowly whisk in the flour until smooth and light brown.
  4. Gradually pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly. Add salt, pepper, and paprika.
  5. Stir in half of your shredded cheese and the Velveeta chunks. Whisk until the sauce is smooth with a good "cheese pull."
  6. Fold the cooked noodles into the cheese sauce until well-coated.
  7. In a greased baking dish, add a layer of macaroni, then a layer of the remaining shredded cheese. Repeat until the dish is full. Top with an extra sprinkle of paprika.
  8. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  9. Let the dish sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8


Amount Per Serving
Calories 580kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 38g59%
Saturated Fat 24g120%
Trans Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 115mg39%
Sodium 890mg38%
Total Carbohydrate 42g15%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 4g
Protein 22g44%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Comfort Food, Holiday Side, Southern Classics, Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

You can, but for the best results, I recommend shredding it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in potato starch to prevent sticking, which can make your cheese sauce slightly grainy instead of silky smooth.

How do I keep my Mac and Cheese from getting dry?

The key is the heavy whipping cream and making sure you don't overbake. Pull it out when it’s bubbly.

Jeanne' Food Content Creator

Hi, I'm Jeanne', a full-time content creator, soon-to-be wife, and a curious cook! I'm from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and I love sharing new recipes, trying diverse foods, and listening to interesting podcasts!

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