Description
Southern baked mac and cheese is a rich, creamy comfort dish made with tender elbow macaroni, a custard-style cheese sauce, and baked until golden and bubbly with a cheesy crust.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water according to package directions until just al dente; drain well.
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, sour cream, heavy cream, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Stir in melted butter and half of each shredded cheese.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Pour half of the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with some of the remaining cheese.
- Add the rest of the macaroni mixture and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, until set and golden on top.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting.
- You can add a light cheese crust by broiling for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Letting it rest helps the mac and cheese firm up.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern