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Creamy Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

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This creamy southern baked macaroni and cheese features a rich, velvety cheese sauce, a blend of classic cheeses, and a golden, crispy crust. It’s pure comfort food that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling pasta)
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups evaporated milk
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup extra sharp cheddar or Colby Jack cheese, shredded (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 6–7 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth and bubbly, about 1 minute.
  4. Gradually whisk in evaporated milk and whole milk. Continue whisking until thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Season cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and smoked paprika.
  7. In a separate bowl, beat eggs. Slowly whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot cheese sauce to temper the eggs, then pour the egg mixture back into the sauce.
  8. Place drained macaroni in a large mixing bowl. Pour cheese sauce over and fold gently until noodles are coated.
  9. Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
  10. Sprinkle extra cheese and panko breadcrumbs (if using) over the top. Add a dash of paprika for color if desired.
  11. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until golden and bubbling around the edges. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
  12. Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Notes

For best results, use block cheese and shred it yourself. Tempering the eggs prevents scrambling and ensures a creamy texture. Letting the dish rest before serving helps it set for neat slices. For gluten-free, use GF pasta and flour. Add jalapeños, bacon, or veggies for variations. Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a crispier crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni and cheese, southern mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, creamy mac and cheese, holiday side dish, potluck recipe

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