Description
This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is rich, creamy, and packed with a mix of cheeses that give it irresistible flavor and texture. A soul food staple, it’s perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any time you’re craving comfort food at its best.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (plus more for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups cheddar, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Colby Jack, and all the Parmesan. Mix until melted and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, then slowly mix them into the cheese sauce to avoid scrambling.
- Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the sauce. Mix well.
- Combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce, then pour into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses.
- Sprinkle the top with a little extra paprika for color.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for best texture.
Notes
- For a crispy topping, add a layer of seasoned breadcrumbs before baking.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and texture — pre-shredded can be waxy and not melt as well.
- This dish can be made a day ahead and baked before serving. Just bring it to room temp before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: undefined
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: undefined
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: undefined