Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is a comforting and indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Creamy, cheesy, and flavorful, it’s a classic favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Author: rami
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Baking Dish Preparation:
- 1 tbsp butter (for buttering the pan)
Main Ingredients:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 6 cups chicken broth (Better than Bouillon)
- 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 (warmed in the microwave for 30 seconds)
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1–2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 2 large eggs
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter a baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil chicken broth and cook macaroni until just under al dente. Drain the pasta.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: Mix half and half, heavy cream, cheddar, colby jack, mozzarella, American cheese, and cream cheese. Season with spices.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in cooked macaroni and eggs until well mixed.
- Layer and Bake: Pour mixture into the baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 35 minutes.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving hot and creamy.
Notes
- Do not overcook the macaroni initially as it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Adjust salt carefully due to the natural saltiness of cheese.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Southern, Baked Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Cheesy, Creamy