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The Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

The Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese You’ll Ever Make

This creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, a heartwarming tradition, combines five cheeses in a simple, no-roux recipe perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta and Creamy Base
  • 2 tablespoons Butter to grease the baking dish
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni cook until just under al dente
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth or Water
  • 1 cup Half and Half or evaporated milk
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream for richness
  • 2 large Eggs add after seasoning adjustments
For the Cheesy Goodness
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese reserve half for topping
  • 1 cup Colby Jack Cheese reserve half for topping
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese for stretchiness
  • 1 cup American Cheese cubed for blending
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese warmed for smooth incorporation
For Seasoning and Flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika for flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard Powder

Equipment

  • baking dish
  • Large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and butter an 8x11 or 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil and add the elbow macaroni. Cook for about 6-7 minutes until just under al dente.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine half-and-half, heavy cream, half of the sharp cheddar and colby jack cheeses, mozzarella, American cheese, and cream cheese. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese mixture and whisk in the eggs.
  5. Pour the mixture into the baking dish, topping with remaining cheeses and a dusting of smoked paprika.
  6. Bake for about 35 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.
  7. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 18gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, shred your cheese fresh and adjust seasonings to personal preference.

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