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+ servings
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Indulgent Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese brings comfort to the table with its creamy cheese blend and crispy crust.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni Consider swapping with shells for a fun twist.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup Half and Half Substitute with whole milk for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Additional half and half works in a pinch.
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Aged Gouda makes a delightful alternative.
  • 1 cup Colby Jack Cheese Monterey Jack can be used instead.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Provolone can offer a unique twist.
  • 1 cup American Cheese Velveeta or more mozzarella can substitute.
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese Feel free to swap in more cheddar.
For the Binder
  • 2 large Eggs Flax eggs are a great vegan alternative.
For Flavoring
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Adjust based on taste preferences.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can work as a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Fresh onions can be sautéed for added flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard Powder Other mustards can substitute in moderation.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Adjust based on dietary needs.
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground pepper delivers the best flavor.

Equipment

  • 3-quart baking dish
  • large pot
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (180ºC) and butter a 3-quart baking dish.
  2. In a large pot, boil chicken broth or salted water. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just under al dente, about 6-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine half and half, heavy cream, sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, mozzarella, American cheese, and cream cheese. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
  5. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, then beat the eggs in a separate bowl and mix into the mixture.
  6. Pour the pasta and cheese mixture into the baking dish and top with remaining cheeses and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
  7. Bake for 35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allowing the mac and cheese to rest before serving helps it to set for better slicing.

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