Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Southern Baked Mac and Cheese. This creamy, cheesy delight features a luscious blend of five different cheeses combined with a rich custard base, creating a gooey texture that’s hard to resist. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or simply cozy nights at home, this dish is sure to steal the show at any table. With its simplicity and robust flavor profile, it’s an easy choice that will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing)
- 16 oz elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 10 cups water mixed with chicken broth
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 8 oz colby jack cheese (shredded)
- 8 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 8 oz American cheese (cubed)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1–2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (180ºC) and butter the baking dish.
- Boil chicken broth in a large pot and cook elbow macaroni until just under al dente. Drain.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cheeses, cream cheese, half-and-half, and heavy cream; mix well.
- Stir in spices and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine drained pasta with the cheese mixture and mix in eggs until fully incorporated.
- Pour into the prepared baking dish, top with remaining shredded cheeses, and sprinkle smoked paprika if desired.
- Bake for about 35 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool for five minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 545
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 142mg