Description
Comfort meets Southern charm in this irresistible Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, a creamy classic that whispers home and hospitality. Layers of sharp cheddar and smooth bechamel envelop tender pasta, promising you a soul-warming bite of pure culinary bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Dairy and Creamy Base:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Seasonings and Extras:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
- In a separate large bowl, combine cheddar, monterey jack, and parmesan cheeses, reserving a small portion for topping.
- Melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then gently fold it into the milk mixture.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure each pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Pour the cheese-coated pasta into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Slowly pour the milk and egg mixture over the pasta, allowing it to settle between the pasta layers.
- Sprinkle the reserved cheese and breadcrumbs evenly across the top of the dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow the mac and cheese to firm up.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Opt for high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese to enhance the rich, creamy flavor profile of the mac and cheese.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyere, fontina, or gouda for a more complex taste experience.
- Prevent dry mac and cheese by avoiding overcooking the pasta and ensuring the milk mixture covers the noodles completely.
- Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta and replacing breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg